Population structure of the stingless bee (Tetragonula pagdeni Schwarz) in Thailand determined by cytochrome b and ATPase6–tRNAASP sequence analysis

Abstract

Primers for amplification of two mitochondrial (cytochrome b and ATPase6- tRNAASP) gene segments of the stingless bee (Tetragonula pagdeni) were designed. Polymerase chain reaction-single-strand conformational polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) analysis were undertaken to examine the genetic diversity and population differentiation of T. pagdeni in Thailand (North, Northeast, Central, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon and Peninsular Thailand). Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) based on polymorphism of cytochrome b and ATPase6- tRNAASP gene segments indicated significant genetic differentiation between stingless bees collected from different geographic regions (ΦRT = 0.197, P = 0.001 for both genes). Strong genetic differentiation was also observed within the mainland group (ΦPR = 0.270 and 0.195; P = 0.001, respectively). High levels of genetic diversity among individuals within populations of T. pagdeni were found (ΦPT = 0.414 and 0.353; P < 0.001). The simplicity and cost effectiveness of PCR-SSCP allows its application for routine population genetic analyses in T. pagdeni. Results provide the important baseline for the construction of conservation and management programs of T. pagdeni in Thailand. © OmicsVista Group, All rights reserved.