The entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae is one of potent biological control agents against a variety ofinsect pests. In this study, we investigated enzyme production of M. anisopliae strains A and B. They produced extracellularenzymes for degrading the epidermis of Monochamus alternatus, a crucial mediator of the pinewood nematode Bursaphelenchusxylophilus. With Q-TOF MS/MS analysis, 29 kDa protein, a major band on a SDS-PAGE gel, was identified as subtilisin-likeserine protease PR1A. M. anisopliae A produced an extracellular enzyme more efficiently than M. anisopliae B: however,enzyme activities targeted for the cuticle were comparable. Our results suggest that the two strains of M. anisopliae havethe biological potential against M. alternatus with insecticidal protease production.

• Ho Myeong Kim(R&D Division, World Institute Kimchi)
• Ji Hye Park(R&D Division, World Institute Kimchi)
• Ho Hyun Chun(R&D Division, World Institute Kimchi)
• Hyun Jung Gwak(R&D Division, World Institute Kimchi)
• Teak Soo Shin(Crop Protection Research Team, Farm Hannong)
• Jae Su Kim(Department of Agricultural Biology, Chonbuk National University)
• Hae Woong Park(R&D Division, World Institute Kimchi)