Phylogeography of Turkish Honeybees (Apis mellifera L.) Based on mtDNA Sequences

There are 26 recognized subspecies of honeybees throughout the world and 5 of them are distributed in Turkey. Due to the migratory beekeepers and queen trade practices in addition to other anthropogenic factors, population structure of these 5 subspecies are under threat and require further research followed by immediate establishment of conservation strategies. In this study, we aimed to determine the phylogeography and biodiversity of Turkish Honeybees. In order to assess genetic variability and population structure of Turkish Honeybees, we have identified 500 localities considering geographic and climatic factors, and sampled from over 350 stationary beehives throughout the Anatolia. We have isolated DNA from one individual worker bee from each locality. In order to obtain genetic structure, we depended on 3 mitochondrial DNA markers: (i) Cytochrome oxidase B (CytB), (ii) NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 (ND2), (iii) partial sequences and the intergenic spacer between the Cytochrome oxidase I and II (COXI-COXII). We have completed PCR for every sample and each locus. The next step of the project will consist of sequencing, bioinformatic analysis of these sequences and further assessment of the population structure observed with regard to geographic and climatic restraints in Anatolia