This study was conducted to establish the optimized protocol for cytoplasm isolation of bee pollen. Data of biochemical parameters and amino acid profiles were obtained from acorn pollen grains treated with pulverization or lyophilization. Contents of moisture, ash, crude protein and crude fat of acorn pollen were 11.7%, 2.6%, 24.1% and 11.8%, respectively. After pulverizing, content of crude protein was decreased to 23.8% while crude fat was 22.5% which means 90% increase. Also content of crude protein was increased to 26.5% in case of the lyophilized pollen. Amino acids such as aspartic acid, glutamic acid, leucine and arginine were extensively found in acorn pollen while histidine, methionine and cystine were infrequent. The pulverized pollen was increased by 2.6% in the total amino acid percentage while the lyophilized pollen increased by 11.8% compared to the untreated pollen.

Most Korean beekeepers have moved from south to north of Korea to collect nectar from black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) flowers for 2 months. This provided a valuable opportunity to sample bees originating from diverse areas in one location. We initiated a survey of honeybee (Apis mellifera) colonies on the blooming period of Acacia to determine the prevalence of Nosema apis and black queen cell virus (BQCV) in 2013. Nosema causes significant losses in population size of honeybees. Sixteenth hives were sampled for this study. Bees were collected on the 4th and 13th of May, 2013. Nosema spore counts ranged from zero to 1,948,333 spores per bee. The average number of nosema spores per bee was calculated to be 450,000. Approximately 94% of the apiaries examined were infected with nosema, based on the presence of spores in the flowering period of Acacia. Also nosema is thought to be associated with black queen cell virus. RT-PCR analysis shows that BQCV infection rate was 100%. This indicates that nosema and BQCV is the predominant species affecting honeybee colonies.

Virus infections of the honeybee(Apis mellifera) have been increasingly investigated during the last decade. In general, honeybee viruses are widespread and most of them persist as inapparent infections. We screened honeybee colonies for the presence of several bee viruses, including deformed wing virus(DWV), black queen virus(BQCV), Kashmir bee virus(KBV), Israeli acute paralysis virus (IAPV), sacbrood virus(SBV), acute bee paralysis virus(ABPV), using uniplex RT-PCR. Frequently simultaneous infections with different viruses are diagnosed in seemingly healthy bee colonies. Therefore we developed a multiplex RT-PCR assay for the simultaneous detection of multiple bee viruses.

Chungbuk province has number of management honey bee(Apis cerana) colonies. A. cerana produce honey, and are pollinators with in agricultural crops and natural environmental ecosystems. Korean Sacbrood Virus(SBV) causes colony collapses of A. cerana Feb. in Korean apiaries from 2009 years. It causes a fatal disease(sacbrood) of honeybee larvae, which fail to pupate, change color and shape, and finally die. We thus conducted a molecular survey of honey bee RNA viruses, Nosema microsporidia, Foul broods and fungal disease(Chalk brood and Stone brood) associated with environmental conditions in apiaries and differential type(Traditional and Modern) of A. cerana hives in Chungbuk province. We found the presence of Israel Acute Paralysis Virus(IAPV), Nosema apis, and Sacbrood virus(SBV) was detected in the tested samples. IAPV were detected from mordern hive. Nosema apis, and Sacbrood virus(SBV) was detected from traditional hives. Our results demonstrate that honey bee RNA viruse(SBV) and N. apis are present in Traditional hives. It can suggest SBV and other disease might be related environment conditions(Type of hives).

This is the first record of endoparasitic Hymenoptera Apanteles galleriae recorded from Apis cerana colonies in Korea. A simple rearing protocol was established to allow the morphology, mating behavior and infestation rate of A galleriae. In total, 55 lesser wax moth fresh cocoons were kept in the tissue culture test plate at room temperature (25.6 ± 1.5˚C, RH 21 ± 3.7%). The females were 3.4 ± 0.3 longer than male 3.3 ± 0.2. The male antenna was longer than females. The copulation lasts 24.4 ± 2.4 seconds. The larvae of A. galleriae were pupated inside the cocoons of lesser wax moth. Ninety percent of adults A. galleriae was successfully emerged from the lesser wax moth cocoons. A. galleriae can be used as bio-logical control in store and in live colonies to control lesser wax moth.

We investigated the duration of laying worker oviposition and egg-laying behavior in three queenless colonies of A. cerana by in situ video recording. Egg load was determined by dissecting laying workers in September 2012. Egg size, length and breadth, shape index and egg elongation were calculated. To determine the number of eggs laid by laying workers per cell at 24, 53, 74, 120 and 171 hours was also monitored. To estimate the number of eggs per cell per week, a small comb was squeezed between two frames. The combs were collected at given hours and weekly to count the number of eggs, respectively. The results showed that the duration of oviposition of laying workers on average was 109.2 ± 67.5 seconds per cell. During oviposition, egg-laying workers showed two types of behaviors, viz; a still phase, where the egg-laying workers did not move, and a recovery phase, where the egg-laying workers vigorously wagged their abdomens after oviposition. The results showed that on average, 4.0 ± 5.1 of worker eggs per cell per week was recorded. The highest number of eggs was recorded at 120 hours compare to at 24, 53, 74 and 171 hours. Three different shapes of the eggs namely oval, elongated long and elongated curve shaped was laid by workers. The results showed that the laying worker carried 1 to 4 mature eggs in her ovaries and may lay from one to four per oviposition. In conclusion, the laying worker shows a still and a recovery phase during and after laying the eggs. The laying workers retain 1 to 4 eggs in their ovaries. The breadth of eggs is strong positive relationships with length. One worker cell can accumulate up to 33 eggs in queenless colonies.

Ovarioles are smooth, gradually widening white tubes with different stages of eggs. The ovarioles were gently removed, and the right and left ovarioles were separated and counted the ovarioles. We observed that the ovaries of laying queens were extended from second abdominal up to fourth abdominal segments. Each ovariole is supplied with tracheae. The tracheae are auriferous types characterized by coating spiracle tubules with permeable cuticle, which may bring the tracheal air into close contact with haemolymph.

RNA interference(RNAi) is the method which controls phenotypes of gene in live cells. Chitinase is the enzyme helping digestion and absorption of old cuticles during the ecdysis of insects. In order to investigate molting-inhibition effect with the chitinase related gene in Spodoptera litura, RNA was extracted from the 5th instars. cDNA was synthesized and then we obtained about 645bp size chitinase. After PCR products were cloned into a pGEM T-easy vector, colonies were picked. DNA was extracted from the colony cultures. EcoR I enzyme was used to check whether PCR products were inserted or not. To synthesize the dsRNA, each DNA was cut with Spe I and Nco I enzymes. After synthesis, of dsRNA, approximately 5ul dsRNA was injected into the 3rd abdominal segment of S. litura 4th larvae. We confirmed insects that were phenotypically abnormal - for instance molting inhibition, change of integument color, malformation.

As a part of disease vector and possible overseas inflow caused by global warming monitoring around airport and port area, the distribution of domestic mosquitoes was investigated using BG-sentinel trap. Mosquitoes were collected during 5-days per each area in early September, using 10 traps in Cheongju (airport) and 15 traps in Pyeongtaek (port). The numbers of mosquitoes collected in Cheongju and Pyeongtaek area were 1,762 including 10 species and 1,042 including 11 species respectively. In Cheongju, Aedes albopictus (657 individuals, 37.3%) and Culex pipiens complex (415 individuals, 23.6%) were dominant species; while in Pyeongtaek, Cx. pipiens complex (806 individuals, 77.4%) was dominant followed by Anopheles spp. (90 individuals, 8.6%) and Ochlerotatus koreicus (79 individuals, 7.6%). Similar species were collected in both Choengju and Pyeongtaek area. Although most species collected in both Cheongju and Pyeongtaek area were the same, Cx. inatomii was only collected in Pyeongtaek. In case of the Genus Aedes, more number of Ae. albopictus was collected compared to Oc. koreicus in Cheongju; while Oc. koreicus was more in Pyeongtaek. In case of the genus Culex, the individuals belonging to the vishinui group were collected such as Cx. bitaeniorhynchus, Cx. tritaeniorhynchus and Cx. orientalis. This study may provide basic information for efficient prevention of vector mosquito and potential overseas inflow of diseases, also we would try to expand different area in Korea.

We are currently developing the smart mosquito counter device (height 1080mm × width 560mm × diameter 320mm, 220V 60Hz 30W), which can attract the blood sucking female mosquitoes by emitting CO2 gas (300ml/min), can count the number of the captured mosquitoes by an infra-red beam area sensor, and can send the captured mosquitoes’ number through the CDMA module at real time. We operated the 8 – 16 devices with mosquito sensor networks and a server at the Youngdeungpo-gu areas in Seoul city of south Korea for three years (2011-2013) and we could efficiently control mosquitoes at the high mosquito density area based on the mosquito sensor’s data. We found that the accuracy of the device was about over 93% compared the real mosquito data and transmitted data by CDMA. We also found the water reservoir areas to control floods in Seoul metro city had relatively higher mosquito density than other normal areas, because those flat water areas were preferred by mosquitoes. Because our pest control office knew the mosquito occurrence peak times and areas from mosquito data transmitted by the mosquito sensor devices, we efficiently controlled mosquito larva and adults at the right time. We could accomplish very systematic mosquito control policy and we had the high credibility with the results. Based on the mosquito occurrence data, we selectively and scientifically controlled mosquitoes. Therefore, we reduced pesticide usage and saved annually pesticide expenses up to 2/3. Conclusively, if there is no mosquito, we don’t have to control mosquitoes.

A surveillance of chigger mites was conducted to clarify the incidence of scrub typhus vectors by new chigger mite collecting traps instead of trapping wild rodents for surveillance from each 4 collection points of 5 regions from September to November 2012 in Korea. During the surveillance period, 2,829 chiggers were collected and 10 species of 4 genera were identified. The first appearance of chigger mite and patients was 39 week (9.19~9.25) and the density of chigger mites had the peak in 43 week (10.17~10.23) and the density of patients had the peak in 44 week (10.24~10.30), respectively. In Goryeong-gun, a total of 1,797 mites representing 4 genera and 6 species were collected and the predominant species were Leptotrombidium scutellare (86.0%), L. pallidum (6.5%) and L. palpale (4.7%) whereas, In Gurye-gun, a total of 89 mites representing 2 genera and 3 species were collected and the predominant species were L. scutellare (46.5%) and L. palpale (36.2%) in similar to the natural environment. The high collecting rates were recorded at rice field (71.8%) and waterway (11.6%). This result shows that the surveillance of scrub typhus vectors by new chigger mite collecting trap is useful as an eco-friendly method.

Macroinvertebrates were examined to elucidate community structures of a total of 5 rice paddy types, Korea. A total of 67 species were found in the study sites. Generally, macroinvertebrates were dominated by Pomacea canaliculata. Limnodrilus gotoi, Ephydridae sp. in organic rice field. Also, aquatic insects were dominated by Diptera, which constituted 25% (17 species) of the total number of species collected. The diversity of macroinvertebrate in several organic rice paddies was higher than that of conventional rice field. The organic rice paddy and nonpesticide agricultural area were also diverse. Samplings were used to detect the influence of farming activities on macroinvertebrate community variation. The study indicated that studied sites showed difference in their macroinvertebrate composition, and these differences are strongly related to differences in habitat quality and microhabitats.

Anoplophora isa moderate-sized genus with 36 species of woodboring cerambycid beetles that occur throughout Asia, with the highest diversity in the tropical and subtropical region. Two species, A. chinensis (Forster) and A. glabripennis (Motchulsky) are known in the Korean peninsula. The latter is an infamous invasive species, commonly called the Asian longhorned beetle, in the U.S. causing economic damage on hard woods. For the present study, we carried out field surveys from 2010 to 2013 and literature review on the host plants of Korean Anoplophora species. A. chinensis is associated with 14 host plant species in 4 families and A. glabripennis 17 species of 11 families. Most importantly, the Manchurian striped maple, Acer tegmentosum Maxim. (Aceraceae), is newly recognized as a host of the Asian longhorned beetle. In the present study, a revised host plant checklist of Korean Anoplophora species is provided, with correction of scientific and Korean names of the host plants.

The Zena hawk moth(Langia zenzeroides) is one of the most dangerous insect pest feeding on Rosaceae fruits(Prunus persica Batsch, Prunus salicina Linnaeus) in Korea because of gregarious diet. The study was conducted to investigate biology and the temperature effect on adult emergence of overwintering L. zenzeroides pupae at five different constant temperatures (15, 20, 25, 27.5 and 30°C) with photoperiod 10:14(L:D) and relative humidity 60%. The lower developmental thresholds of L. zenzeroides were 9.7°C. Developmental period of overwintering pupae to adults decreased with increasing temperature from 15 to 30°C. Mortality of five different constant temperatures (15, 20, 25, 27.5 and 30°C) was 4, 8, 20, 8 and 48%. Especially mortality of constant temperature 30°C was higher than other conditions and survival rate of 15°C was the highest. Thermal constants of L. zeroenzides were 109.5DD. The relationship between the developmental rate and temperature was fitted by linear and one nonlinear developmental rate models (Lactin 1). The development variation of overwintering pupae was described by the two-parameter Weibull distribution model. We investigated development period in the study site by using 70 eggs. From egg to pupa period was 84.9±0.4.

Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) and Frankliniella intonsa (Trybom) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) are sympatric thrips species infesting crops including strawberry and pepper. Recently, F. intonsa was found as a dominant species locally even though F. occidentalis has been considered as a major species in Korea. We suggested interspecific competition as a underlying mechanism for the asymmetrical abundance. Effect of the competition on adult reproduction and longevity of the two thrips species was assessed in leaf cage and microtube arena, respectively. The number of reproduced progeny was reduced by 79% for F. occidentalis and only 43% for F. intonsa in competition condition. The mean longevity was also reduced greater in F. occidentalis (by 41%) than in F. intonsa (23%). Based on these results, it is probable that interference competition exists between the two species, and F. intonsa is better competitor than F. occidentalis. Therefore, interspecific competition might affect field occurrence pattern of the two thrips species.

This study was conducted to determine the effect of six different leguminous seeds a) cowpea, b) white kidney bean c) soybean (Cheongja) d) soybean (Daepung) e) mung bean and f) azuki bean on the nymphal development, mortality, adult longevity, fecundity and hatchability of Riptortus pedestris (F.) (Hemiptera: Alydidae). Total developmental time ranged from 18 to 25 days; R. pedestris fed on white kidney bean took the longest time. There was no difference in mortality among the bugs fed on the legumes except those fed on white kidney bean which had the highest mortality (94%). Also, adult bugs fed on white kidney bean showed the shortest longevity. Total number of eggs laid by adult female and the hatchability of the eggs were highest from the bugs fed on cowpea. Higher reproductive success of R. pedestris fed on cowpea suggests that cowpea could be very suitable legume for the bug and it can be used as a trap crop against the bean bug.

Several pentatomids and an alydid are reported inflicting losses in several host plants ranging from leguminous crops to fruit orchards in Korea. Understanding their visual preference would help develop mass trapping or efficient monitoring device. Visual preference of the major pentatomids and an alydid bugs to different colors and light emitting diodes (LED) of different wavelengths were observed. Adults of pentatomid such as Halyomorpha halys Stål, Plautia Stali Scott, and Nezara sp., and an alydid Riptortus pedestris (F.) were exposed to seven different colors (black, yellow, green, blue, white, cream, orange) in a multiple choice tests. Also, adult and second instar nymphs of the bugs were released inside a hexagonal LED boxes consisting of LED lamps of six different wavelengths (375 to 630 nm). Most of the pentatomids showed highest preference to blue color followed by yellow and 530 nm LED. However, R. pedestris showed higher preference to the yellow color followed by blue and black. Second instar nymphs of all the tested species also showed higher preference to 530 nm. Their color and LED lamp preference would help in development of mass trapping device.

The intracellular endosymbiont bacterium Wolbachia is currently considered the most abundant in arthropods. Many Wolbachia manipulate host reproductive systems, it lead to male-killing, cytoplasmic incompatibility, parthenogenesis and feminization of genetic males with large impact on host ecology and evolution in arthropods. In this study, we investigated the distribution of Wolbachia infection in Ae. albopictus according to geographical distribution. We selected 9 areas and collected Ae. albopictus, these areas were distinguished with mountain chain and waterway. Whole genomic DNA were extracted from collected specimens and PCR analysis were accomplished in each specimen using Wolbachia specific primers such as 16S and WSP genes. As a results, we collected 730 Ae. albopictus at least 30 specimens in each area. Wolbachia infection rate showed different patterns between geographical region. Cheonbook, Cheonnam and Yeongdong showed 100% infection rate followed by Jeju (97%), Chungchung (88%), and Gyungnam (85%) with two Wolbachia marker genes. Our results indicated that Ae. albopictus are commonly infected with Wolbachia, it is possible that Wolbachia may act as endosymbiont in Ae. albopictus regardless of geographical region. Although, low infection rate of Wolbachia, we need continuous survey for the evaluation of Wolbachia strain within Ae. albopictus as a vector of dengue fever.

Lepidopterous pests can be a problem in corn cultivation in the southern region. This study investigated the occurrence of Ostrinia furnacalis, Helicoverpa armigera and Pseudaletia separata in corn field of southern region. O. furnacalis has investigated aspects occur in Iksan, Buan and Gochang. H. armigera and P. separata has investigated the aspects occur in Buan and Gochang. Occur from early May in sex pheromone trap, showing the highest density occurs in late May, the 1st occurrence of O. furnacalis adult was reduced since the beginning of June. the 2nd occurrence of O. furnacalis adult occurs in late August and showed the highest density occurred in early September. Occurrence time showed aspects similar to the three regions of the O. furnacalis adult. 1st adult occurs in early May from Buan, H. armigera showed the highest density occurs in early August and showed the highest density occurs in early July from Gochang. The 1st adult P. separata occurs in late April, showed the highest density occurs in late June from Gochang. However, the incidence density was lower in Buan.

The species diversity of macrolepidoptera (larger species of moths) was surveyed using light traps at forests near the Forest Environmental Research Institute located in 9 provinces (Gyeonggi, Gangwon, Chungbuk, Chungnam, Jeonbuk, Jeonnam, Kyeongbuk, Kyeongnam, Jeju) in 2012. Sampling was conducted weekly or biweekly from April to October. Using light traps in 8 forests, 2,961 individuals belong to 530 species from 20 families were collected. The species richness between study sites ranged from 4 (Kyeongnam) to 258 (Chungbuk). Similarly, abundance was the highest at Gyeonggi (1,235 individuals) and lowest at Kyeongnam (11 individuals). Species diversity (H’) was the highest at Chungbuk (5.14) and lowest at Kyeongnam (1.29). Composition of macrolepidopteran species also changed seasonally, showing regional variations. Dominant species in 9 study sites were Lamoria glaucalis in Gyeonggi, Ivela auripes in Gangwon, Idiotephria amelia in Chungbuk, agrotis tokionis in Chungnam, Acosmeryx naga in Jeonbuk, Glyphodes perspectalis in Jeonnam, Spodoptera depravata in Gyeongbuk, Xestia dilatata in Gyeongnam and Lithosia quadra Jeju. Among the species, Ivela auripes, Lamoria glaucalis, and Glyphodes perspectalis were known to be sporadic forest insect pests. Therefore, continuous monitoring can be needed to prevent the potential outbreaks of such insect pests.