• Journal of Apiculture
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.39-46
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• 2019

BQCV multi-point PCR was developed as a rapid multiplex detection method for BQCV, one of the viral pathogens of honeybees. It could detect BQCV specific genes qualitative as well as quantitative detection based on ultra-rapid PCR. Three primer pairs (RNA dependent RNA polymerase, capsid protein, 3C like protease) were specifically designed for accurate the detection and were optimized for minimizing the detection time and increasing the sensitivity. Our advanced diagnostic system have the accuracy by lowering the concern about the variation in the BQCV detection site. In addition, it should be an opportunity to identify mutations that are mixed with other viruses.

• Journal of Apiculture
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.107-115
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• 2019

Bumblebees have apposition compound eyes (one on either side of the head) of about 6,000 ommatidia and three small single-lens ocelli on the frons of their head capsule. The surface of the eye is smooth and interommatidial hairs, as in the honeybee, are not developed. Each ommatidium (approx. 26 ㎛ in diameter) is capped by a hexagonal facet and contains in its centre a 3 ㎛ wide, columnar light-perceiving structure known as the rhabdom. Rhabdoms consist of thousands of regularly aligned, fingerlike microvilli, which in their membranes contain the photopigment molecules. Axons from each ommatidium transmit the information of their photic environment to the visual centres of the brain, where behavioural reactions may be initiated. Since bumblebee eyes possess three classes of spectrally different sensitivity peaks in a ratio of 1:1:6 (UV= 353 nm, blue= 430 nm and green=548 nm) per ommatidium, they use colour vision to find and select flower types that yield pollen and nectar. Ommatidial acceptance angles of at least 3° are used by the bumblebees to discriminate between different flower shapes and sizes, but their ability to detect polarized light appears to be used only for navigational purposes. A flicker fusion frequency of around 110Hz helps the fast flying bumblebee to avoid obstacles. The small ocelli are strongly sensitive to ultraviolet radiation and green wavelengths and appear to act as sensors for light levels akin to a photometer. Unlike the bumblebee's compound eyes, the ocelli would, however, be incapable of forming a useful image.

• Journal of Apiculture
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.161-167
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• 2019

There is an urgent need for novel protein sources as an alternative to meat production. Insects, such as honeybees, hold potential as a safe, nutritious and reliable protein source for the future. In the present study, we established optimal powder preprocessing conditions of drone pupae (Apis mellifera L.) for use as a novel food. The content of moisture, crude protein, crude fat, crude ash, carbohydrate and crude fiber in drone pupae(Apis mellifera L.) were analyzed. The crude protein content ranged from 48.5 to 51.8% was found in both freeze-dried and hot-air powdered drone pupae. However, the protein content in the freeze-dried powder was higher than that in the hot-air powder by 3.3%. According to the Korean Food Standard Codex test method, coliforms, Salmonella spp. Staphylcoccus aureus, and Enterohamorrhagice Escherichia coli were not detected in both freeze-dried and hot-air powder. Therefore, we suggest that the high protein content of the powdered drone pupae prepared in this study can serve as a novel food.

• Journal of Sericultural and Entomological Science
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• v.46 no.2
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• pp.77-79
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• 2004

To investigate whether BF-7, extracted from Bombyx mori, improved learning and memory of ordinary people, K-WAIS (Korean version of Wechsler adult intelligence scale) was performed in 4 normal students. Treatment with 400 mg of BF-7 increased mean IQ from 103 to 114. To know how BF-7 plays such a positive role, we measured the blood flow to brain, especially for the area concerned with learning and memory, with Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography(SPECT). Our result showed that the blood flow to parahippocampal gyrus and medial temporal area was increased. Also, our results showed the image representing the increase of blood supply in this area. So, our results suggest that BF-7 effectively help to use brain concerning with learning and memory.

• Research in Plant Disease
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.131-136
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• 2007

Occurrence of popcorn disease on mulberry fruits was surveyed in several locations in Korea from 2005 to 2007. The diseased fruits turned grayish white and changed to hard and black sclerotia during overwintering after falling onto the ground. Apothecia produced from overwintered sclerotia in the fields of mulberry trees were observed in early May. Two types of apothecia were produced from the sclerotia, which were cup-shaped or club-shaped. The fungus with cup-shaped apothecia was identified as Ciboria shiraiana, and that with club-shaped apothecia as Scleromitrula shiraiana. C. shiraiana occurred at the ratio of about 6 vs. 4 in the fields. Occurrence of the disease differed remarkably depending on years, locations, and varieties of mulberry trees investigated. Field survey of the disease incidence showed that Baekhahyeongsang, Dahojosaeng, Hasusang, a native variety and Sawonppong 22 were resistant to the disease, Cheongilppong, Daeseongppong, Guksang 20 and Turkey-D were moderately susceptible, and Cateneo, Moreji and Sanggwa were highly susceptible. Disease incidence in the fields mulched with nonwoven fabrics or plastic films was much lower than that in the non-mulched fields. Disease incidence in the fields mulched with rice straws was similar to that in the non-mulched fields.

• Journal of Apiculture
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.27-39
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• 2017

PCR-chip-based ultra-rapid multiplex PCRs for detection of six major infectious pathogens in honeybee were developed. The 6 kinds of major infectious pathogens in honeybee included Paenibacillus larvae causing American Foulbrood, Melissococcus plutonius causing European Foulbrood as bacteria, Ascosphaera apis (Chalkbrood), Aspergillus flavus (Stonebrood), Nosema apis and Nosema ceranae (Nosemosis) as fungi. The developed PCR-chip-based ultra-rapid multiplex PCR showed successful amplification for all six major pathogens in the presence of more than $10^3$ molecules. The time for confirming amplification (Threshold cycles; Ct-time) was about 7 minutes for two species, and about 9 minutes for four species. Total 40 cycles of PCR took 11 minutes 42 seconds and time for melting point analysis was 1 minute 15 seconds. Total time for whole PCR detection was estimated 12 minutes 57 seconds (40 cycles of PCR and melting point analysis). PCR-chip based ultra-rapid multiplex PCR using standard DNA substrates showed close to 100% accuracy and no false-amplification was found with honeybee genomic DNA. Ultra-rapid multiplex PCR is expected to be a fast and efficient pathogen detection method not only in the laboratory but also in the apiary field.

• Journal of Apiculture
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.163-170
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• 2017

Small hive beetle (SHB, Aethina tumida Murray (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae) is a honeybee pest infesting combs and stores inside the hive. Contamination of the SHB on Apis mellifera colonies were firstly noticed on September 23, 2016, in Miryang City, Gyeongnam Province in Korea. After that, on October 5, 2016, we investigated the spatial distribution of SHB inside the hive and outside soil within the apiary. Total of 169 beehives were observed. We found all stages of SHB inside or outside of hives. 61% of hives infested with the adult SHB still had live honeybees whereas hives containing larval SHB did not have bees, implying colony destruction In hives with live bees, infestation density was higher as bee population became higher. Coefficient of dispersions (CD) showed significant clumped distribution of infestation among hives. CDs were much higher inside hive than outside soil. Our results indicates SHB could result in honeybee colony collapse it not managed properly. Also even during October, there are new infestation into honeybee colonies and every stage of SHB could still be able to develop. Further detailed analysis of this insect' adaptation in Koran environment could help guide the management strategies of the invaded new pest of honeybee.

• Journal of Apiculture
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.253-259
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• 2017

Propolis, natural antibacterial agent, which has been used traditional medicine across the globe, is resinous mixture to include abundant bioactive substances. In present study, we investigated antimicrobial activity according to quality characteristics of propolis collected from 9 different regions in Korea. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated by measuring growth inhibition zone using agar well diffusion method against Streptococcus mutans. Constituents analysis of propolis samples were measured through total phenolic contents, total flavonoid contents and quantitative analysis of major compound (pinocembrin) by ultra performance liquid chromatography. As a result, 9 different propolis (10mg/mL) and pinocembrin (1mg/mL) showed antimicrobial activity that has growth inhibition zone more than 11.9mm on S. mutans. The total flavonoid contents of 8 different propolis excluding Jeju island were in compliance with standard of health functional food in Korea and were found to affect antimicrobial activity on S. mutans when contained over 10mg/g. In addition, when content of pinocembrin in propolis was ranged from 12mg/g to 32mg/g, each propolis excluding Jeju island exhibited antimicrobial activity alike. These results indicate that pinocembrin plays a important role for antimicrobial activity of propolis collected from 8 different regions in Korea, and that it can be used as basic data for standardization of Korean propolis.

• Journal of Apiculture
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.261-268
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• 2017

We evaluated the nutritional composition including proximate, amino acid, vitamin, minerals, and the antioxidant activity of buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) pollen grains collected by Apis mellifera bees, to be used as a species of forage plant with Quercus acutissima (acorn) and Actinidia arguta pollen grains. The content of crude protein and fat were found 14.43% and 5.67%, respectively. Eighteen amino acids from buckwheat pollen were found, including 8 essential amino acids. The predominant amino acids were glutamic acid, aspartic acid and lysine, accounting for about 42.7% of total free amino acids. The concentration of vitamin C was the highest value of 13.7 mg/100g, followed by $B_3$ (niacin) and $B_1$ among the detected vitamins. The predominant minerals were potassium (1197.95mg/100g), followed by phosphorus (962.77mg/100g) and magnesium (535.42mg/100g), whereas copper, zinc and manganese were detected as minor elements. Antioxidant activity and total phenolic content accounted for 8.1% at $500{\mu}g/ml$ extract and $2.25{\mu}g/mg$, respectively.

• Journal of Apiculture
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.155-162
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• 2017

This research was carried out to evaluate the royal jelly production in Apis mellifera through the selection of superior honeybee lines. For the study, two inbred honeybee lines A and C were evaluated for the production of royal jelly by their workers, royal jelly production per colony (g), and the acceptance percentage of grafted larvae (%). The results showed that, the average royal jelly production per colony was highest ($33.7{\pm}7.41g$) in the inbred line C in comparison to other lines and the percentage of larvae acceptance ($87.8{\pm}7.5%$) was also highest in the inbred line C in comparison to other liens. The royal jelly produced by the three honeybee lines was analyzed for their trans-10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid (10-HDA) content using a column liquid chromatography technique. Chromatographic results showed that the royal jelly produced by the inbred honeybee line C had the maximum amount of 10-HDA. We also observed age-dependent alterations of the major royal jelly proteins (MRJPs), which were differentially expressed in the two inbred lines and the commercial line, using quantitative real time-PCR (qRT-PCR).