Quantitation of some candidate genes related to grooming behaviour by using RT-PCR in some honey bee races

Varroa destructor is the number one responsible for global honey bee losses called colony collapse disorder. This problem faced by honey bees has recently been accepted as a threat that could disrupt the ecological balance of the world. Organic acids, chemicals that threaten human health, essential oils and mechanical methods have been used against Varroa for a long time. However, despite all these applications, the desired results could not be obtained. Research has shown that some honey bee colonies exhibit higher resistance or sensitivity to certain diseases or pests than others. One of the resistance mechanisms based on a genetic basis is grooming behavior. In this thesis study, twenty worker bees were selected as material from the widely used honey bee races in Turkey; Anatolia (Apis mellifera anatoliaca), Caucasian (Apis mellifera caucasica), Carniol (Apis mellifera carnica), Italian (Apis mellifera ligustica) and Syria (Apis mellifera syriaca). The aim of this study was to determine expression amounts of three candidate genes (Neuroxin-1, Ataxin-3, and Atlastin) which were reported to be related to grooming behavior in honey bees. The responses of candidate genes of the 20 individuals with and without grooming behavior from five honey bee races were tested against Varroa destructor in laboratory conditions. Grooming behavior was determined at molecular level by RT-qPCR (Reverse Transcription-quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction) method which using primer pairs specific to selected candidate genes and SYBR Green fluorescent dye. According to the results of this study; phenotypically, no statistical difference was found between the five honey bee races in terms of grooming behavior. Expressions of Neuroxin-1, Ataxin-3 and Atlastin candidate genes related to grooming behavior showed significant differences between the races. However, it has been found that grooming behavior is not related to expression level of the candidate genes in this. Grooming behavior was compared for the first time at gene level in honey bee races. So, as there are many unanswered questions it is seen that more molecular studies related to grooming behavior are needed.