Microsatellite Sequence Variation of Eleven Lineages of European Honeybee(Apis mellifera) in Korea

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

Honeybees (Apis mellifera) adapted themselves to different geographical and climatical conditions since they had been introduced in Korea. Beekeepers have tried to breed valuable lineages with artificial insemination or conventional mating techniques. However, evaluation of breeding resultants still relies on timeconsuming observation data. Genetical characterization of breeds has proven its usefulness to preserve genetic resources of livestock. In recent years, microsatellites are most commonly used to evaluate population structures and diversities of living organisms in that the characteristics of locus specificity, rich polymorphism, abundant and random distribution over the genome, and their co-dominant inheritance. Determining classic genetic distances using neutral, highly polymorphic microsatellite markers is a reliable method to investigate genetic relationships and breed differentiation. This methodology can be used to establish preservation priorities for livestock breeds. The final aim of this study was to develop potent markers for assessing genetic structure of lineages after artificial insemination. In this study, the genetic structure of ten microsatellite markers were sequenced or analysed with polymerase chain reaction for eleven European honeybee populations. The results may help to develop reliable microsatellite markers for more efficient preservation strategies of valuable honeybee breeds.