The established amplified fragment-length polymorphism (AFLP) protocol was
simplified and optimized for honey bee DNA (Apis mellifera L.). Compared to
the original method, the following simplifications were made: (i) the dige
stion of DNA and ligation of the adapters are performed in one reaction vs.
two, (ii) one restriction enzyme is used vs. two and (iii) amplification i
s accomplished in one reaction vs. two. PCR products are resolved in agaros
e-Synergel instead of polyacrylamide and are visualized by ethidium bromide
staining rather than by autoradiography of labeled primers. Using the modi
fied procedure for honey bee DNA, high reproducibility of the band patterns
of PCR products and low sensitivity to the amplification conditions were s
een. Analysis of honey bee DNA revealed considerable genetic variability wi
thin and between African and European bee samples. African- and European-sp
ecific fragments were found.