The Anti-Termite Activity of Bacillus licheniformis PR2 against the Subterranean Termite, Reticulitermes speratus kyushuensis Morimoto (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae)

Subterranean termites of the species Reticulitermes speratus kyushuensis Morimoto (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) are notoriously destructive soil-dwelling pests that feed on cellulosic wood biomass. This leads to tremendous losses forest trees such as Pinus densiflora Siebold and Zucc. (Pinales: Pinaceae) precious wooden structures cultural heritage. study investigated efficacy chitinase protease produced by Bacillus licheniformis PR2 cuticle-degrading enzymes for biocontrol worker termites. a strong activity up maximum 82.3 unit/mL 35.9 unit/mL, respectively, caused lethal effect under laboratory conditions. Treatment with bacterial broth culture crude enzyme fraction B. resulted in mortality rate (with median time (ET50)) 83.3% (3 h, 36 min) 88.9% (2 59 min), respectively. The treated exhibited loss setae, disintegration epicuticle, rupturing procuticle, swelling at sockets. degradation cuticular chitin glycoprotein polymers termite cuticle represents an effective eco-friendly strategy controlling damage Korean heritage sites forests.