The disadvantage of the current Red imported fire ants (RIFA) diagnostic is that it takes at least two days, because it is subjected to PCR amplification and DNA sequence identification process using an arthropod universal mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I prime pair after genomic DNA extraction. In order to overcome this drawback, two RIFA specific genes were confirmed and used to develop techniques for identifying the species using various PCR methods. The conventional PCR method can be confirmed by the presence of amplified DNA, but additional time is required to confirm whether the PCR products are present or not. In contrast, SYBR green Real Time (RT) PCR or TaqMan probe RT PCR method has the advantage of confirming the results immediately after the reaction is completed. The new molecular diagnostic method has the advantage of shortening the time of two days, which is the biggest disadvantage of RIFA molecular diagnostic method, to 3 hours or less.

• Ji-Hye Kim(Department of Biomedical Gerontology, Hallym University Garduate School/Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University)
• Youngjin Park(Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency)
• Dong Pyeo Lyu(Department of Forest Sciences, Sangji university)
• Heung Sik Lee(Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency)
• Young Ho Koh(Department of Biomedical Gerontology, Hallym University Garduate School/Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University)