Determination of the genetic diversity and snps which associated with hiygenic behaviour in caucasian (Apis mellifera Caucasica g.), Black Sea (Apis mellifera L.) and Caucasian x Black Sea hybrid honey bee populations

In this study, the genetic diversity of Caucasian honey bees, Black Sea honey bees and their hybrids obtained through the crossbreeding of Caucasian and Black Sea honey bees which were reared and selectively bred for hygienic behaviour at the Apiculture Research and Application Unit of the Faculty of Agriculture at Ondokuz Mayıs University in 2021. The genetic diversity status of these populations was determined using the microsatellite PZR method with 30 microsatellite loci which the FAO recommends. The obtained data were analysed using GenAlEx and Structure software. The genetic distances between the Caucasian-Black Sea, Caucasian-Caucasian x Black Sea hybrid, and Black Sea-Caucasian x Black Sea hybrid populations were found to be 0.154, 0.083, and 0.164, respectively. The fixation index values for the Caucasian honey bee, Black Sea honey bee, and Caucasian x Black Sea hybrid populations were calculated as 0.961, 0.959, and 0.957, respectively. The average FIS, FIT, FST, and Nm values for all loci were determined as 0.959, 0.960, 0.045, and 12.855, respectively. The analysis results indicated low genetic diversity among the Caucasian bee, Black Sea bee, and Caucasian x Black Sea hybrid populations. In contrast, high genetic diversity was observed within populations and among individuals. Principal Coordinate Analysis conducted using the GenAlEx software and cluster analysis performed using the Structure software confirmed the results. The data revealed that genetic differentiation was due to gene flow rather than genetic drift. Preserving genetic diversity, which significantly impacts the healthy survival of individuals within a population, is crucial. Therefore, it is essential to determine the genetic diversity status of populations belonging to indigenous honeybee genotypes in Türkiye to ensure the preservation of these genotypes and their genetic diversity. The SNPs associated with hygienic behaviour, which are examined in this study, were predominantly found to be in a heterozygous state throughout the populations and SNPs associated with both high and low levels of hygienic behaviour were observed. It is crucial to uncover the genetic and epigenetic factors involved in hygiene behaviour to develop breeds resistant to the Varroa parasite and exhibiting high levels of hygienic behaviour.