Study of the population structure of Apis cerana based on mitochondrial gene variation

Author of the article:TIAN Song-Hao1** ZHAO Zhao-Lin4 ZHAO Hui-Ting2 MA Wei-Hua1, 3 YANG Shan-Shan1MENG Jiao1 JIANG Yu-Suo1***

Author's Workplace：1. College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu 030801, China;2. College of Life Science, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu 030801, China;3. Institute of Horticulture, Shanxi Academy of Agricultural, Taiyuan 030031, China; 4. Shanxi Provincial Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Institute of edible fungi, Taiyuan 030031, China

Key Words：Apis cerana, mitochondrial gene, genetic diversity, sequence analysis, phylogenetic

Abstract：      To clarify the taxonomic status of Apis cerana (Fabricius) subspecies in Chinaas well as provide a theoretical basis for protecting and rationally developing honeybee resources. [Methods]  Mitochondrial DNA tRNA^Ile-ND2 and 16S rRNA genes of A. cerana collected from 19 locations inChinawere amplified using two previously developed pairs of primers and sequenced. Sequences of these two genes were compared with the corresponding sequences from other locations. [Results]  The results indicate that the length of the tRNA^Ile-ND₂ partial sequence was 471-474 bp with 13 variable sites. The length of the 16S rRNA partial sequence was 581-585 bp with 6 variable sites. The alignment of the partial ND₂ gene protein sequence indicated that there was only one amino acid mutation in the Qinyuan sample. [Conclusion]  A phylogenetic tree based on tRNA^Ile-ND₂ and 16S rRNA partial gene sequences indicates that the A. cerana population fromHainanwas significantly different from the other 18 populations. The A. cerana population fromAbamay be a high altitude ecotype. The result did not, however, support the conclusion that theAbapopulation was a separate subspecies. Three populations fromJilinmay belong to the same ecotype. The variation between A. cerana populations inYunnanwas high.