Genetic Diversity Assessment of Iranian Honey Bee Population in Northwest Iran Using Microsatellite Markers and Morphological Characteristics

Totally, 3200 and 320 young worker bees were investigated morphologically and molecularly respectively. The four important honey bee microsatellite loci, A24, A28, A29, A113, indicated a considerable level of genetic diversity among the nation’s northwest honey bee populations and, considering average number of alleles per locus (3.25-5.75) and, average expected heterozygosity (0.445-0.701) high level of variability was shown. Moreover, according to molecular analysis of variance (AMOVA), intra-population and inter-population genetic diversity were estimated to be 70% and 30% respectively. In addition, statistical analysis of morphological characteristics using Principle Component Analysis (PCA) revealed that northwestern honey bee population of Iran could be divided into, at least, three groups. Considering the high genetical diversity of honey bee in northwest Iran, establishing queen rearing stations and executing interbreeding programs for honey bee population in northwest Iran seems to be necessary. Furthermore, considering the high level of polymorphism in the studied markers, they are recommended to be applied for Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) mapping, Marker Assisted Selection (MAS) and, other related investigations.