# Population Structure Analysis Reveals the Rich Genetic Diversity of Honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) Populations in Kazakhstan

## TL;DR

This study explores the genetic diversity of honeybees in Kazakhstan, revealing distinct genetic clusters and the importance of conserving local populations for sustainable beekeeping.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into the genetic structure and diversity of honeybee populations in Kazakhstan using both mitochondrial and nuclear markers.

## Key findings

- Most Kazakhstani honeybee populations belong to the Eastern European C lineage.
- Four main genetic clusters were identified, reflecting regional differentiation and historical gene flow.
- High genetic diversity and polymorphism were observed in nuclear STR markers.

## Abstract

This study examined the genetic diversity and structure of honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) populations from Kazakhstan, with comparison to samples from Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Georgia. By analyzing both mitochondrial DNA (COI–COII region) and nuclear STR markers, we found that most Kazakhstani populations belong to the Eastern European C lineage, while a few samples show influence from the Western/Northern European M lineage. Our results revealed four main genetic clusters, reflecting regional differentiation, historical gene flow and occasional admixture. These findings highlight the high genetic diversity of honeybees in the region and underscore the importance of conserving local populations for breeding, adaptation and sustainable apiculture.

Honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) populations are a vital resource for pollination and honey production, yet their genetic diversity in Central Asia remains poorly understood. This study provides a comprehensive genetic assessment of 16 honeybee populations from Kazakhstan, with comparative samples from Russia, Georgia and Kyrgyzstan, utilizing mitochondrial COI–COII intergenic region and 12 highly polymorphic nuclear STR markers. Mitochondrial DNA analysis revealed the predominance of the Eastern European C lineage (A. m. carnica), while a few populations from East Kazakhstan and Russia attributed the M lineage (A. m. mellifera), indicating local introgression and the persistence of relict lineages. STR analyses showed high levels of polymorphism and genetic diversity, with variation in heterozygosity and inbreeding across populations. Analyses of population genetic structure delineated four principal genetic clusters shaped by regional differentiation, historical gene flow, and sporadic admixture. Concordance between mitochondrial and nuclear markers confirms the robustness of these findings. Overall, this study highlights the rich genetic diversity of honeybees from Kazakhstan and emphasizes the importance of conserving local populations and implementing selective breeding programs to sustain adaptive potential and long-term apiculture.