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Hexokinase polymorphism in Apis mellifera and its use for africanized honeybee identification

M.A. Del Lama^I; R.A. Figueiredo^I; A.E.E. Soares^II; S.N. Del Lama^I

^IDepartamento de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, 13560 São Carlos, SP, Brasil. Send correspondence to M.A.D.L.
^IIDepartamento de Genética, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, 14049 Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brasil

ABSTRACT

In this paper we describe the high degree of hexokinase (HK) polymorphism in Africanized honeybees from Brazil and confirm the monomorphism of this system in bees of European origin. The detection of allozyme 87 in Africanized bees in Brazil is explained by the introduction of Apis mellifera scutellata in the country in 1956. The frequency of the HK8⁷ allele in the Brazilian populations analyzed was higher in Luiz Antonio, State of São Paulo, a site close to Rio Claro, which was the initial center of dispersal of African swarms. The frequency of this allele decreased with distance from this center, especially in more southern areas in the country, where apicultural activity based on European bees has been more intense.
The detection of HK polymorphism is important for locating African genes in Apis mellifera populations present on the American continent.

Keywords: hexokinase; polymorphism; Apis mellifera; africanized; honeybee; identificationt.

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