South Korean researchers developed a microbial pesticide using Bacillus bacteria that kills up to 87.5% [2] of pests attacking the endangered Korean fir.
The breakthrough offers a critical lifeline for a tree species native only to South Korea that faces extinction due to climate change and pest infestations. Because the Korean fir grows in sensitive high-altitude ecosystems, the development of an eco-friendly control method is essential to prevent further population collapse.
A research team led by Im Hyo-in at the National Institute of Forest Science created the solution to target the spruce-aphid. The team tested the Bacillus-treated solution against the pests, observing a mortality rate of 87.5% [2] within a 48-hour [3] window.
"In the experimental group treated with Bacillus bacteria, a maximum insecticidal effect of 87.5% was observed," Im said.
The effort is part of a broader conservation strategy for high-altitude flora. In 2016, the Korea Forest Service designated seven [1] endangered high-altitude conifer species to prioritize their protection.
The spruce-aphid has historically devastated the foliage of the Korean fir, weakening the trees and making them more susceptible to environmental stressors. Traditional chemical pesticides often pose risks to the surrounding biodiversity of the mountain regions, a risk the new microbial approach seeks to eliminate.
By utilizing naturally occurring bacteria, the National Institute of Forest Science aims to stabilize the remaining populations of the fir without introducing toxic chemicals into the soil or water systems. The team continues to refine the application method to ensure maximum coverage in the tree's native habitats.
“The breakthrough offers a critical lifeline for a tree species native only to South Korea.”
This development represents a shift toward biological pest management in conservation, reducing the reliance on synthetic chemicals that can damage fragile alpine ecosystems. By targeting a specific pest like the spruce-aphid with microbial agents, researchers can protect the genetic diversity of the Korean fir while maintaining the ecological integrity of the high-altitude regions where it grows.
