ABSTRACT
Studies on genetics and genomics of productive insects, particularly honeybee species, are crucial for understanding the evolutionary dynamics and genetic basis of variability in life history traits. Genetics and genomics of the dwarf honeybee, Apis florae Fabricus, in relation to chromosome details and their arrangements, and similarity with the other bee species, are presented. Additionally, the authors address genomic information and whole genome sequences of A. florea and discovery of genes that govern crucial traits including body colour (gene Fl), stinging nature (bee venom MELT gene), colony construction and royal jelly protein (MRJP) in A. florea. Subsequently, the authors discuss the linkage map and possible reason for the higher recombination rate in A. florea. The haplo-diploid nature of sex is common in honeybee species, in which a single sex determination locus determines the sexual fate of honeybees. The complementary sex determination gene (csd) identified in A. florae is also reviewed.
The genetic diversity analysis of honeybee species is crucial for the identification and selection of desired traits. In this context, different molecular markers including mitochondrial DNA (COI and COII) and nuclear (SSR) DNA markers have been widely used to assess the genetic diversity and phylogeography of honeybee species including A. florea. In this, we also summarize the genetic diversity analyses of A. florea in different geographical regions. Future possibilities and challenges for genomics research in A. florae are also discussed.
