Genetic Variability of the Mitochondrial DNA in Honeybees (Apis mellifera L.) from Benin

Abstract

: The aim of this study was to evaluate the genetic variability in bees Apis mellifera from Benin by using mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) as a molecular marker in their cytochrome c oxidase subunit I and II ( COI-COII ) intergenic region. A total of 304 bee colonies were sampled in 27 municipalities of the cashew growing area of Benin. These samples were analyzed by the cleaved amplified polymorphisms technique for determining the haplotypes of subspecies present in the sampled population . Eight PCR-RFLP profiles of African lineage A were then identified in the 304 samples of bees investigated. Forty-nine percent (49%) of the samples showed the profile of haplotype A1 (subspecies adansonii of Zambia), 40% of haplotype A4 (subspecies scutellata of South Africa) and 3% of haplotype A19 (subspecies adansonii of Guinea). Five other haplotypes of the African branch (A) that had been described in a previous study were also identified: new 1 (2%), new 2 (2%), new 3 (1%), new 4 (2%) and new 5 (1%). This study showed that A. mellifera from Benin belonged only to lineage A with the predominance of haplotypes A1 and A4. This study will contribute to the development of coherent policies for conservation of local bees in Benin.