Genetic differentiation of the stingless bee Tetragonula pagdeni in Thailand using SSCP analysis of a large subunit of mitochondrial ribosomal DNA.

Genetic diversity and population differentiation of the stingless bee Tetragonula pagdeni (Schwarz) was assessed using single-strand conformational polymorphism (SSCP) analysis of a large subunit of the ribosomal RNA gene (16S rRNA). High levels of genetic variation among individuals within each population (North, Northeast, Central, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, and Peninsular Thailand) of T. pagdeni were observed. Analysis of molecular variance indicated significant genetic differentiation among the six geographic populations (Φ (PT) = 0.28, P < 0.001) and between samples collected from north and south of the Isthmus of Kra (Φ (PT) = 0.18, P < 0.001). In addition, Φ (PT) values between all pairwise comparisons were statistically significant (P < 0.01), indicating strong degrees of intraspecific population differentiation. Therefore, PCR-SSCP is a simple and cost-effective technique applicable for routine population genetic analyses in T. pagdeni and other stingless bees. The results also provide an important baseline for the conservation and management of this ecologically important species.