Proposal presentation 11
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This document presents a research proposal to identify species variability within the genus Hypotrigona in Ghana. The study aims to sample Hypotrigona bees from four sites based on nesting behavior and use geometric morphometrics, molecular analysis, and multispectral imaging to separate the bees into distinct species. The hypothesis is that nesting behavior has no influence on Hypotrigona species diversity in the study areas. The research justification is that identifying Hypotrigona species will aid in their sustainable cultivation and use. The proposed methodology, timeline, and budget are provided to survey bee nests, analyze samples in the lab, and document genetic diversity of Hypotrigona in Ghana.
Proposal presentation 11
- 1. SPECIES VARIABILITY IN THE AFROTROPICAL GENUS HYPOTRIGONA (COCKERELL) IN THE CENTRAL REGION OF GHANA PROPOSAL PRESENTATION BY SANDRA EDZEANI
- 2. INTRODUCTION AND LITERATURE REVIEW • Stingless bees (Apidae: Meliponini) are the largest group of social bees with more than 400 species (Michener, 2000) • These are found in most tropical and subtropical regions of the world (Heard, 1999). • Like all other bees although, stingless bees are small in size but are efficient pollinators of agriculture and tropical forest crops. • Stingless bees are active all year round and are true generalists.
- 3. Introduction cont….. • Out of the 400 species of stingless bees, 50 are found in Africa. However, according to Kwapong et al (2010), 9 species were found in Ghana. • Hypotrigona (Cockerell), is of much interest, because taxonomist across the world are unable to clearly distinguish them. • Eardley (2004) could not distinguish the species within the genus Hypotrigona. • In Ghana, bees from Hypotrigona are confused with Liotrigona. Hence the need to draw the clear line between these species.
- 4. Introduction cont…. • Species of Hypotrigona are found nesting in window frames, wall cavities, electricity meters, bamboo internodes, pipes, metal gates and many more. • These bees are cavity dwellers in both live and dead wood, due to agricultural practices, deforestation, logging, these bees have moved to colonize homes. • Meanwhile these bees are important and highly medicinal and its culturing must be encouraged.
- 5. STATEMENT OF PROBLEM • Although these bees provide a lot of ecosystem services, comparatively little attention has been given to them (Joseph et al., 2010). • Kwapong et al. (2010) worked on stingless bees and identified 9 species including Hypotrigona. • Little is known about the number of species within this genus especially in Ghana.
- 6. Aim of the research • To identify various Hypotrigona species within 3 districts in the Central Region of Ghana. Specific Objectives of the Study 1. To sample Hypotrigona species within selected sites based on the nesting behaviour; type of entrance, Nesting sites and vegetation types. 2. Using Geometric Morphometrics to separate the various bees into species. 3. Using Molecular analysis and Multispectral Imaging technique to perform a confirmatory test.
- 7. Hypothesis • Nesting behaviour has no influence on the species diversity of Hypotrigona. • None of the tests showed any species diversity of Hypotrigona in the study areas.
- 8. Justification • Various species of Hypotrigona would be identified in this study. • Information gathered would aid in efficient culturing of Hypotrigona.
- 9. Methodology • 4 Study sites have been selected Kwesi Gyan (Mankesim)- forest and farming area with human settlements Mfuom- Along Praso-Shen forest with logging activities. There are human settlements with farming activities as well. Bekawpa- Is a farming community Botanical Gardens of the School of Biological Sciences - UCC. An unprotected forest with logging and construction works and disturbance by humans.
- 10. • Field work: July 2013-December 2013 Identifying Bee Species Using shape of the nest entrance, visual inspection Bees will be collected using sweep net/clear polythene bags fixed unto the hives. Diameter of the nest entrance and length will be taken
- 11. Laboratory Work 1.Geometric Morphometrics; Detach right fore-wing of sampled bee species Mount wings on slides, capture images using microscope with a camera attached to it. Create a TPS and import it into Morpho J Illustration of morphometric characters would be done using Adobe illustrator.
- 12. 2. Molecular Analysis • DNA will be extracted from the entire organism using Chelex method (Walsh et al., 1991). • PCR Amplification will be done using specific mitochondrial and microsatellite primers. • PCR products were separated by electrophoresis in a 1% agarose gel, stained with ethidium bromide and photographed under UV illumination • PCR product will be purified with ExoSap-IT Kit.
- 13. 3. Multispectral Imaging Technique • Wings will be placed on slides under a microscope with light emitting diodes (LEDs). With a camera attached to capture images. • This ranges from Uv to near Infra-red, with 9 LEDs and 13 wavelength.
- 14. Data analysis • Geometric Morphometrics analysis would be done using Analysis of variance (ANOVA), Canonical Variate Analysis (CVA), Principal Component Analysis. • Using classification La*b model, Multispectral data would be analyzed. • Using Correlation DNASP and Arlequin software to detect differentiation in the DNA. • Using F-test to establish relationship among the 3 tests.
- 15. Output/Activities 6 Calendar Months (colour indicates month(s) of activity) 7-12 mont hs1 2 3 4 5 6 To survey and collect samples of stingless bee species from 3 District in the Central Region A. Using sweep net and poly bags to sampling i.Kwesi-Gyan (Mfantsiman Municipal) ii.Mfuom(Twifo-Heman Lower Dankyira) iii.Bekawpa (Twifo-Heman Lower Dankyira) iv.Botanical Gardens UCC (Cape Coast Municipal) B.Laboratory preparation of specimens, cleaning and mounting of portion of the specimens for morphometric ,molecular & multispectral imaging C.Statistical analysis of characters using ANOVA and Tukey’s a posteriori comparison of means, principal component analysis (PCA), Eigenvalues D.Assess genetic variations between the various Hypotrigona species through DNA extractions, microsatellite amplification at University of Sao Paulo, Brazil To document standing genetic diversity of Hypotrigona bee species in Ghana A. Completion of write up and submission of thesis B. Preparation of papers/ articles for publication Work plan
- 16. ACTIVITIES Research material (GH₵) Labour/ Assistance (GH₵) Repairs/ Maintenance (GH₵) Fuel/ T&Tcost (GH₵) Stationery (GH₵) Subtotal(GH₵) 1. Survey to collect Hypotrigona bees and identify standing species based on morphometric characters 500.00 200.00 100.00 100.00 1150.00 2. To assess the identity of bees based on morphometric and molecular data at Sao Paulo and Ghana 4000.00 300.00 500.00 100.00 4900.00 3. To document standing genetic diversity of the bee species in Ghana 500.00 500.00 1000.00 4. To identify bees based on multispectral imaging technique in Ghana. 500.00 100.00 600.00 SUBTOTAL 5500.00 1100.00 100.00 500.00 200.00 7400.00 Budget
- 17. Thank you.