• Korean journal of applied entomology
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• v.52 no.4
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• pp.357-364
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• 2013

Bee-vectoring is a new crop protection technology used for suppressing insect pests and diseases in crops by disseminating microbial agents into plants during bee pollination activities. In this study, we conducted bee-vectoring trials in cherry tomato greenhouses by using the bumble bee (Bombus terrestris), a microbial agent (Bacillus subtilis) and a new dispenser, and we measured the delivered quantity of microbial agent. Bacterial colony forming units (CFUs) in bees exiting a dispenser ranged from $9.0{\times}10^5$ to $1.9{\times}10^6$ per bee. At greenhouse trials in the National Academy of Agricultural Science (NAAS) trials, 3,300 - 8,500 CFUs per flower were counted and 80 - 100% of the flower samples contained detectable concentrations. There was no significant difference in CFU density between microbial replacement intervals (once a week vs twice a week) in the NAAS trials. In a commercial greenhouse trial, 1,800 - 2,400 CFUs per flower were found, and 83 - 93% of the flower samples contained detectable concentrations. CFUs detected in bee-vectored flowers increased by approximately 75 times before bee-vectoring. The mortality of bumble bees in the NAAS trials was, on average, 22% and little negative effects were observed on the bumble bee colonies. The yield difference for cherry tomatoes in the NAAS trials was not significant between treatments. When we select additional microbial agents that can be disseminated using this technology and create a detailed plan based on insect pests and disease incidence, we can apply this technology in greenhouses for growing tomatoes and strawberries in the near future.