Population genetic structure of coastal Croatian honeybees (Apis mellifera carnica)

Abstract

The genetic structure and molecular diversity of Croatian honeybee coastal populations have been investigated with microsatellite and mitochondrial markers. According to sequence data of the mitochondrial tRNAleu-cox2 intergenic region, all analysed samples belong to the Central Mediterranean and Southeast European evolutionary C-lineage. Four mitochondrial haplotypes have been found in the Croatian honeybees, whereas two newly described have been found in Croatia and Greek respectively. Through the Bayesian analysis of microsatellite variation, two groups can be distinguished within the Croatian honeybee population, suggesting the existence of two subpopulations of A. m. carnica. The relation of these subpopulations with previously described ecotypes and regional variations is discussed. These results emphasize the importance of sequencing in the description of new haplotypes and therefore, in the inference of molecular biodiversity within honeybee populations. The description of two subpopulations in coastal Croatian honeybees must be considered in future conservation strategies.