Lee Jeong-hyun, a doctoral student in Professor Kwon Hyung-uk’s research team

Lee Jeong-hyun, a doctoral student in Professor Kwon Hyung-uk’s research team (Department of Biological Sciences, Vector-borne Disease Research Center) at our university, published a paper on the genome of the native honeybee in the July issue of Scientific Reports (Impact Factor: 3.9), a sister journal of the Nature group.

Genome map

This study, based on the first draft genome of the Asian honeybee published in Korea in 2015, integrated the latest sequencing technology to complete the genome of the Korean native honeybee (Apis cerana koreana) at the chromosome level with high precision.

As a result, a high-quality genome map containing a total of 16 chromosomes was constructed, and the independent genetic lineage of the native honeybee was demonstrated at the genome level. This achievement can be applied in various fields, including the scientific classification of honeybee breeds, the selection of disease-resistant strains, and the establishment of a foundation for digital breeding.

This research is a meaningful achievement that can contribute to the preservation of Korean native genetic resources and the enhancement of competitiveness in the beekeeping industry. It is also expected to make a significant contribution in the future to climate change response and the development of high value-added apiculture resources.

Apis cerana koreana