• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.31 no.11
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• pp.993-997
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• 2022

This study was conducted to evaluate the structure and composition (i.e., pH, moisture, total-N, pathogens, and volatile fatty acids) of broiler and duck manure treated with larvae of three insect larvae, namely, Tenebrio molitor, Protaetia brevitarsis seulensis, and Ptecticus tenebrifer. Hatched Tenebrio molitor (n=300), Protaetia brevitarsis seulensis (n=60), and Ptecticus tenebrifer (n=300) were used in this study; specially, the larvae were divided into six treatments with three replicates. The treatments were as follows: T1: 110 g broiler manure + Tenebrio molitor larvae (n=50), T2: 110 g duck manure + Tenebrio molitor larvae (n=50), T3: 125 g broiler manure + Protaetia brevitarsis seulensis larvae (n=10), T4: 125 g duck manure + Protaetia brevitarsis seulensis larvae (n=10), T5: 105 g broiler manure + Ptecticus tenebrifer larvae (n=50), and T6: 105 g duck manure + Ptecticus tenebrifer larvae (n=50). For all the larval treatments, the following results were observed: The moisture content of the duck manure treat with three insect larvae was higher than that of the broiler manure (p<0.05), whereas broiler manure had a higher pH (p<0.05). In addition, the total nitrogen content of broiler manure was higher than that of duck manure (p<0.05). However, the insect larvae did not significantly affect pathogens (E.coli and Salmonella) and the volatile fatty acids (p>0.05). In conclusion, the use of the three insect larvae to create organic nitrogen compost using poultry manure is feasible.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.31 no.11
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• pp.989-992
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• 2022

This study was conducted to investigate the efficacy of larval stages of three species, namely, Tenebrio molitor, Protaetia brevitarsis seulensis, and Ptecticus tenebrifer larvae, in degrading poultry manure, specially, broiler and duck manure. The survival rates of larvae were also noted. For the experiment, T. molitor (n=300), P. brevitarsis seulensis (n=60), and P. tenebrifer (n=300) hatched larvae were randomly divided into six groups with three replicates. The degaradation efficacy tests were then performed for 30 days in a laboratory. The test groups were as follows: T1, 110 g broiler manure + T. molitor larvae (n=50); T2, 110 g duck manure + T. molitor larvae (n=50); T3, 125 g broiler manure + P. brevitarsis seulensis larvae (n=10); T4, 125 g duck manure + P. brevitarsis seulensis larvae (n=10); T5, 105 g broiler manure + P. tenebrifer larvae (n=50); and T6, 105 g duck manure + P. tenebrifer larvae (n=50). The groups showed significant efficacy in degrading broiler and duck manure (p<0.05). The highest survival rates were recorded for T. molitor larvae in both manure types [T1 (92.67%) and T2 (50%)], followed by P. brevitarsis seulensis larvae (T4, 40%) and P. tenebrifer larvae (T6, 14.67%) in duck manure. Next, the survival rates of P. brevitarsis seulensis (T3) and Ptecticus tenebrifer larvae (T5) in broiler manure were 0%. In conclusion, these results point to the feasibility of using insect larvae to degrade broiler and duck manure.

• International Journal of Industrial Entomology and Biomaterials
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.25-31
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• 2014

Protaetia brevitarsis seulensis (Kolbe) is widely used in Korea, as a protein-rich, alternate, functional food with pharmacological benefits. In addition to anti-oxidant properties, the larvae of P. b. seulensis also show positive effects against hepatic disorder and diabetes; therefore, P. b. seulensis larvae are being reared on a large scale in Korea. We evaluated reared larvae of P. b. seulensis from Gyeong-gi in Korea. Using 16SrRNA PCR, electro-microscopy, and bioassay techniques, we found that the larvae harbored Spo-1, a bacterium identified as the insect pathogen Serratia marcescens. Therefore, we highlight the use of this insect as an alternate food and the need for its sanitary rearing conditions, as contamination may affect public health.

• International Journal of Industrial Entomology and Biomaterials
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.40-44
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• 2015

To investigate whether Serratia marcescens (Enterobacteriales: Enterobacteriaceae) isolated from Protaetia brevitarsis seulensis (Coleoptera: Cetoniidae) acts as an opportunistic bacterium in peroral infection, the primary entomopathogenic bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis (Bacillales: Bacillaceae) and Paenibacillus popilliae (Eubacteriales: Bacillaceae) were added to sawdust to perform a bioassay experiment. We found that peroral infection caused by S. marcescens could be fatal beyond a concentration of $4{\times}10^8pfu/mL$ in $2^{nd}$ stage P. b. seulensis larvae and at $6{\times}10^8pfu/mL$ in $3^{rd}$ stage P. b. seulensis larvae. In particular, mortality resulting from a combination of P. popilliae and S. marcescens was markedly increased in $2^{nd}$ stage P. b. seulensis larvae. Therefore, we confirmed that mortality was increased when S. marcescens was infected together with other entomopathogenic bacteria, and that peroral infection itself can be fatal beyond certain concentrations.

• International Journal of Industrial Entomology and Biomaterials
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• v.45 no.2
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• pp.108-114
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• 2022

Protaetia brevitarsis seulensis larva is well-known as an edible insect. The present study aimed to explore the immune-enhancing effect of 30% ethanol extract of Protaetia brevitarsis seulensis larvae (PBE) in RAW264.7 macrophage cells. PBE were not cytotoxic to RAW264.7 cells and nitric oxide production increased on PBE treatment in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, PBE significantly promoted the expression of immune-related mediators (Inos and COX-2) and cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β) and the phosphorylation of MAPKs (ERK, p38, and JNK). Taken together, the immune-enhancing effects of 30% ethanol extract of PBE in vitro were identified. These findings can be used as data for the development of edible insect-based functional foods that improve immune function.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.29 no.7
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• pp.789-792
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• 2020

The present study was investigated the oviposition characteristics of Protaetia brevitarsis seulensis with a focus on winter larvae to improve the utilization of insect resources. The average oviposition tendency and average cumulative number of eggs laid during a 7-week period were measured in adults emerging from larvae that had hibernated for 4 months in five farmhouses. The study covered five zones: Gimje, Jangsu, Wanju, Iksan and Yeoju. The average oviposition tendency over a 7-week period showed increased egg laying between 2 to 3 weeks and 5 to 6 weeks. Overall, it was found that the average cumulative number of eggs laid during the 7-week period was initially low and increased proportionally with time. Our results suggest that using adults that have emerged from hibernated larvae is effective in increasing the oviposition rate and utilization of the insect.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.29 no.9
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• pp.939-941
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• 2020

This study evaluated the effect of four different feeds on the larval weight and survival rate of Protaetia brevitarsis seulensis (PBS) over five weeks. Four different types of feed (self-fermentation medium, RM medium, Samsung livestock medium, and bean-curd dregs medium) were given to third-instar larvae of PBS. Weight changes and survival rates of PBS larvae were measured weekly for five weeks. During the experimental period PBS larvae showed the highest growth in Samsung livestock medium, followed by bean-curd dregs medium, RM medium, and self-fermentation medium. Survival rate of PBS larvae were the lowest in bean-curd dregs medium, and then in the Samsung livestock medium. Using the Samsung livestock medium can shorten the delivery period of PBS larvae by approximately 40 days based on the larva shipped on average 75 days. Therefore, this study provides information and data on insect farming techniques useful for insect industrialization.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.29 no.7
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• pp.785-788
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• 2020

We investigated the oviposition characteristics of Protaetia brevitarsis seulensis, focusing on zone breeding throughout the year in terms of the development and utilization of insect resources. To select Protaetia brevitarsis seulensis individuals laying a large number of eggs, the number of eggs laid for each individual was measured for each individual after emergence as adults from larvae grown at room temperature in five farmhouses. The five study zone included Gongju (Tancheon), Gyeonggi (Himsen), Chungnam (Gyeryong), Taean (Wonbuk), and Siheung (Baekse). The average oviposition tendency during a 12-week period obtained from the five regions was somewhat different; however, there was no remarkable difference in overall tendency. The maximum oviposition in Protaetia brevitarsisseulensis in the five regions occurred between 6 and 7 weeks. Compared toother regions, the average cumulative number of eggs laid during the 12-week period was higher (40%-60%) in Gongju (Tancheon) and Gyeonggi (Himsen). These results indicate that in two regions, zone breeding is selected as a system for increasing the demand for insects.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.28 no.7
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• pp.827-834
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• 2018

In this study, the biological activities of aqueous, ethanol, and methanol extracts of larvae of the edible insect Protaetia brevitarsis seulensis, fermented using several kinds of microorganisms, were tested in in vitro experimental models. Six effective microorganisms were used for fermentation, namely Lactobacillus plantarum JBMI F3, Lactobacillus plantarum JBMI F5, Lactobacillus gasseri Ba9, Aspergillus kawachii KCCM 32819, Saccharomyces cerevisiae KACC 93023, and Bacillus subtilis KACC 91157. Biological activities (${\alpha},{\alpha}^{\prime}-diphenyl-{\beta}-picrylhydrazyl$ [DPPH] free radical scavenging activity, reducing power, and fibrinolytic activity), and biochemical properties (phenolic compounds and flavonoids) were examined in aqueous, ethanol, and methanol extracts from P. brevitarsis seulensis powder and fermented P. brevitarsis seulensis powder. The total phenolic compounds and flavonoid contents were highest in the aqueous extract of B. subtilis-fermented P. brevitarsis seulensis powder. DPPH radical scavenging activity and reducing power were stronger in the fermented group than the nonfermented group. Fibrinolytic activity were highest in the extract from B. subtilis-fermented P. brevitarsis seulensis powder. The ${\alpha}-amylase$ activity in starch was higher in the fermented group than the nonfermented group, but there was no significant difference. These results provide basic data to understand the biological activities of bioactive materials derived from fermented P. brevitarsis seulensis larvae for the development of functional foods.

• Korean journal of applied entomology
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• v.57 no.1
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• pp.25-32
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• 2018

Studies of immune responses in insects have focused on mechanisms that interact directly with invading microorganisms. However, few studies have examined the immune response to various metabolites produced by microorganisms after they enter the host. Here, we examined immune responses in Protaetia brevitarsis seulensis larvae induced by metabolites produced by symbiotic and pathogenic bacteria. The two types of bacteria were cultured under the same conditions. The bacteria were then removed and the remaining culture supernatant was injected into the larvae. The larvae injected with culture medium (Ch-medium) from symbiotic bacteria remained relatively healthy and did not develop an immune response, whereas more than 60% of the larvae injected with pathogen culture medium (Ec-medium) died after 150 hours and dark brown patches of melanin were observed at the injection site. This immune response was confirmed by the finding of activated lysosomes in insect granulocytes. More than 50% of lysosomes in larvae injected with pathogen culture medium were strongly stained after 12 h, but less than 5% of those injected with symbiotic culture media were stained. Therefore, it is assumed that symbiotic bacteria produce few (if any) substances that induce host immune responses.