A Study of Polymorphisms in Three Loci Known to Influence Defensive Behavior Using PCR-SSCP and Direct Sequencing in the Iranian Honey Bee Population

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and subsequent separation of PCR products on polyacrylamide gels to find Single Stranded Conformation Polymorphisms (SSCP) was used for three loci, known from studies in North America to affect defensive behavior (Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) sting1–3), on samples of Iranian honey bee (Apis mellifera L.). In the present study these loci were amplified with specific primers for sting1–3. The analysis of these loci using SSCP, created different patterns among samples. The polymorphisms observed in this study of the Iranian population of honey bees are a first step toward the eventual implementation of a genetic marker-based selection program to reduce defensive behavior. Now, because of this study, the markers are available to conduct more research so that the association of these polymorphic loci and aggressive traits in the Iranian honey bee population can be determined.