First evaluation of genetic diversity among honeybee populations in Kazakhstan

Beekeeping as a staple of agriculture in Kazakhstan is believed to have emerged when external bee colonies were introduced into the country. To date, six subspecies have been distributed across commercial apiaries (Apis mellifera sossimai, A. m. carpatica, A. m. mellifera, A. m. ligustica, A. m. caucasica, and A. m. carnica). In this study, we analyzed mitochondrial DNA from 21 geographically distinct populations with diverse subspecies composition and discovered 19 unique haplotypes belonging to C and M evolutionary lineages. Analysis of 9 microsatellite loci revealed strong polymorphism, with a range of 5 to 35 alleles at each locus. The observed heterozygosity across the populations varied from 0.2892 to 0.9099, and clustering analysis only allowed differentiation of each population based on its geographical location. High degree of admixture among subspecies was identified in every population, including a potential introgression from the endemic bee A. m. pomonella. Unregulated cross-breeding for the past 50 years has laid the foundation for the promiscuous genetic nature of honeybee populations in Kazakhstan.