Population structure of the Yemeni honey bee (apis mellifera jemenitica) entails an urgent conservation strategy in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Spread and use of exotic honeybee subspecies into Saudi Arabia bear significant risk on the conservation of the indigenous honeybee Apis mellifera jemenitica. The fallout of imported honeybee on population structure and diversity of Apis mellifera jemenitica populations have been investigated using microsatellite markers. Results demonstrated high genetic diversity within the native honeybee population compared with other related subspecies. Through the Bayesian approach of microsatellite variations, two groups can be distinguished with high level of introgression between imported and native subspecies. High levels of introgression and Intensive hybridization entail urgent conservation strategy of the native honeybee to be implemented. © 2014 Academic Journals Inc.