Genetic Variability in a Local Bulgarian Honey Bee Population

Local Bulgarian honey bee Apis mellifera rodopica from Selective Center Plovdiv has been studied for genetic variability using analysis of six enzymic systems (MDH, ME, EST, A LP, PG M and HK) corresponding to six loci (Mdh 1, Me, Est 3, Alp, Pgm and Hk) and DNA analysis of 9 microsatellite loci (Ac011; A024; A043; A088; Ap226; Ap238; Ap243; Ap249 and Ap256). All of the studied loci were found to be polymorphic. Two to five alleles were detected with allozymic analysis: two alleles at Mdh-1 and Pgm loci; three alleles at Me, Alp and Hk loci. Est-3 locus was polymorphic with five alleles. It was calculated that the average number of alleles per locus is 3; the percent of polymorphic loci (P=0.95) is 83.3 and the observed and expected heterozygosity - 0.24 and 0.259, respectively. Three to seven alleles were detected using microsatelite DNA analysis: three alleles at Ap243 and Ap249 loci; four alleles at Ac011, A043, A088, Ap226 and Ap238; six alleles at A024 and seven alleles at Ap256. It was found that the observed heterozygosity varies between 0.444 and 0.567 and the expected heterozygosity between 0.435 and 0.548. This research provides new information regarding the genetic variability in selected local Bulgarian honey bees and will be useful for selection and conservation purposes.