Genetic diversity and population structure of the native Western African honeybee (Apis mellifera adansonii Latreille, 1804) in Nigeria based on mitochondrial COI sequences

The west African honeybee, Apis mellifera adansonii, is a subspecies of western honeybees that live in a wide range of habitats. In Nigeria, there is a lack of knowledge of its population genetics. Thus, we examined its mitochondrial genetic diversity and population structure using the subunit I of the cytochrome c oxidase gene. Our results showed an overall high level of genetic diversity (haplotype diversity = 0.702) of A. m. adansonii in Nigeria. Analyses revealed a low level of population genetic structuring (ΦST = 0.31986) across the geographical regions of Nigeria. Results showed that a substantial degree of haplotype diversity was evident in the populations from the Middle belt of Nigeria. However, individuals from southern Nigeria expressed low haplotype diversity. The mismatch distribution and historical demographics supported evidence of population expansion of A. m. adansonii in Nigeria. The matrilineal genealogy demonstrated a lack of clear patterns of population structuring. In sum, our analysis showed a high degree of genetic diversity with no population divergence within A. m. adansonii from Nigeria. Further study involving additional mitochondrial and nuclear gene markers could aid to elucidate gene flow patterns among populations of A. m. adansonii across its range in West Africa.