Genetic and morphometric variation in honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) populations of Turkey

Abstract

Six enzyme systems were studied to determine the genetic variability in honeybee populations in Turkey. Ten morphometric characters were also measured to determine the extent of morphometric variation. Out of six enzyme systems, four were found to be polymorphic with 16 allozymes. The average heterozygosity was calculated as 0.072 ± 0.007. Morphometric and electrophoretic variables were equally effective in discriminating honeybee populations. European and Anatolian honeybees were separated on the first axis, and Anatolian honeybees were further separated along a second canonical axis. The observation of rare alleles in isoenzymes, detection of high genetic diversity and the presence of four known subspecies support the argument that Anatolia has been a genetic center for honeybee populations in the Near East.