Genetic screening of Apis mellifera subspecies in Lebanon using mitochondrial DNA test

The distribution of the honey bee lineages in North Lebanon and Akkar governorates was analyzed using the mitochondrial DNA (MtDNA) test through the amplification of the COI-COII region by polymerase chain reaction followed by DraI enzyme restriction analysis. A total of 95 samples were collected from 32 different locations, in addition to two reference samples. MtDNA analysis showed that 72% of the studied samples belong to the native subspecies A. m. syriaca corresponding to the Z subgroup of lineage A, mainly found in regions of North Lebanon and northern part of Akkar. Samples belonging to the C lineage were more distributed in the inner, eastern and southern regions of Akkar. The regions where the Z subgroup still prevailed could be considered as candidate reserve areas for the local subspecies.