Abstract
Brazilian native meliponines are currently threatened by increased human impacts. The assessment of their genetic variation by microsatellite DNA markers can assist in the conservation of populations and help in the planning and establishment of efficient management strategies. The purpose of this study was to develop the first set of microsatellite markers for Melipona fasciculata, selected from partial genome assembly of Illumina paired-end reads. Primer pairs were designed for each detected locus at their flanking regions. Bee samples were genotyped from two different populations of Northeastern Brazil for marker characterization and validation. A total of 17 microsatellite loci displayed polymorphism. Mean HE and HO heterozygosities were 0.453 and 0.536, respectively. PIC across all loci ranged from 0.108 to 0.714. A genetic diversity analysis revealed high values for population differentiation estimates (FST = 0.194, RST = 0.230, and Dest = 0.162) within the investigated region. PCoA and Bayesian clustering showed a separation of the species into two distinct clusters. These microsatellite markers have demonstrated strong potential for population-level genetic studies. Moreover, the preliminary analysis of the genetic diversity in M. fasciculata provides provisional evidence of significant population differentiation between the two studied populations.
Highlights
Stingless bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Meliponini) are a diverse group of bees regarded for their great economic and ecological importance
A clear understanding of the genetic variation and population structure of meliponine bees can contribute to the development of effective conservation strategies to secure the continued survival of these original populations and the species itself
The Melipona (Melikerria) fasciculata Smith, 1854 (Hymenoptera: Apidae), popularly known as “uruçu-cinzenta” or “tiúba”, is a native stingless bee species that can be found in the neotropical region of Brazil, within the states of Pará, Tocantins, Maranhão, Piauí and Mato Grosso (Silveira et al, 2002)
Summary
Stingless bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Meliponini) are a diverse group of bees regarded for their great economic and ecological importance. Beekeeping provides a sustainable source of income under a low-cost investment for smallholder farming communities, and these native bees provide an efficient pollination service in both natural and agricultural systems (Garibaldi et al, 2013). The Melipona (Melikerria) fasciculata Smith, 1854 (Hymenoptera: Apidae), popularly known as “uruçu-cinzenta” or “tiúba”, is a native stingless bee species that can be found in the neotropical region of Brazil, within the states of Pará, Tocantins, Maranhão, Piauí and Mato Grosso (Silveira et al, 2002). Apart from its role as a pollinator in most ecosystems and crops (NunesSilva et al, 2013), a great interest in the species has emerged because (i) stingless beekeeping is relatively easy, as long as
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