Human-mediated dispersal of <i>Geniotrigona thoracica</i> (Apidae: Meliponini) colonies promotes high genetic diversity and reduces population structuring in managed populations.

ABSTRACT: The stingless bee Geniotrigona thoracica is a key managed pollinator in Southeast Asia, valued for its honey, propolis, and colony trade. In Thailand, frequent human-mediated movement of colonies raises concerns about its effects on genetic diversity and population structure. We analysed variation in mitochondrial (COI and 16S rRNA) and nuclear (five microsatellite loci) markers from 70 colonies sampled across 17 meliponaries in seven southern provinces. Microsatellite data revealed high genetic diversity and low nuclear differentiation (K = 1; F_st = 0.0024-0.1219; all P > 0.05), with extensive gene flow (N_m = 3.60-207.83) among provinces. In contrast, mitochondrial markers indicated moderate-to-high differentiation (

SUBMITTER: Duangphakdee O 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12701703 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature