Genetic variation and population structure of <i>Apis cerana</i> in northern, central and southern mainland China, based on <i>COXI</i> gene sequences

<p>The eastern honey bee (<i>Apis cerana</i>), a Chinese native bee species, plays an important role in local ecosystems and agriculture, as it pollinates flowering plants. In this study, we assessed the genetic variation and population structure of <i>A. cerana</i> using the mitochondrial sequences of cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (<i>COXI</i>). We collected samples from 11 provinces of China and also included previously-collected data from two provinces of southern China. A total of 1,518 sequences with a length of 760 bp in 51 <i>A. cerana</i> populations were analyzed. We found 111 haplotypes within these sequences, of which 78 haplotypes were newly-defined in this study. The star-like median-joining network revealed that the haplotypes found in this study were monophyletic. A large difference in genetic diversity was found, including a gradual decrease from southern to northern populations. The southern populations harbored most of the genetic diversity and should therefore be protected. We also found a significant genetic structure among the studied populations, and defined five populations as key conservation populations. These results could be valuable in making management and conservation strategies, and for a better understanding of the evolutionary history of <i>A. cerana</i> populations in China.</p