Genome-Wide Association Studies of Key Traits in Apis cerana cerana (Hymenoptera: Apidae) from Guizhou Province.

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to identify genes linked to phenotypic traits in Apis cerana cerana through a genome-wide association study. Methods: Genomic data was collected from 116 workers across 12 regions in Guizhou Province, China, and 15 morphological traits were measured, including proboscis length, femur length, tibia length, tarsus length, tarsus width, tergite III and IV length, sternite III length, wax mirror length on sternite III, wax mirror slanted length on sternite III, wax mirror interval on sternite III, sternite VI length, sternite VI width, forewing length, forewing width, and cubital index. Then, a genome-wide association study was performed on these traits. Results: The analysis identified 12 SNPs significantly associated with tergite III and IV length, along with 2 SNPs linked to wax mirror length on sternite III, and 7 SNPs related to the wax mirror interval on sternite III. Eleven candidate genes for tergite III and IV length, two genes for wax mirror length on sternite III, and seven genes for wax mirror interval on sternite III were identified. These genes encode proteins involved in Longitudinals, Zinc, Lamin, BTB/POZ, Dyneins, and Phospholipases. Conclusions: The discovered SNPs and their corresponding genes may regulate the lateral and longitudinal development of the tergum and sternum in the A. c. cerana. Continued in-depth research on these aspects will help clarify how these SNPs regulate the tergum and sternum, thereby enhancing economic returns for beekeepers and promoting the conservation of germplasm resources in the native Apis cerana cerana.