South Korean Research Team Advances Bee Virus Ecosystem Understanding
A research team from the Department of Plant Medicine at Kyungkuk National University is gaining international recognition for its comprehensive analysis of the bee virus ecosystem across Central Asia. The findings, published in the prestigious Journal of Invertebrate Pathology, represent the most extensive research on bee viruses conducted in Central Asian countries.
Extensive Virome Survey in Uzbekistan
Led by Professor Gil Eui-jun, the research team, including first author Minhyuk Kwon, collected Western honey bees (Apis mellifera) from 32 cities across 11 regions of Uzbekistan in 2024. Utilizing next-generation sequencing, they conducted a nationwide virome survey, identifying a total of 30 viruses – 11 affecting bees and 19 infecting plants.
Key Viral Discoveries
The study achieved a significant milestone by decoding the full-length genome of ‘Damage Virus Type B (DWV-B)’ for the first time in Central Asia. Analysis revealed a high genetic similarity (over 97%) between the Central Asian strain and its European counterpart. Researchers discovered new mutations of cystic bud rot virus (SBV) and Lake Sinai virus (LSV) specific to Uzbekistan, and reported the full-length genome of chronic bee paralysis virus (CBPV) in Uzbekistan for the first time.
Uzbekistan as a Genetic Pathway
The research team’s phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that Uzbekistan serves as a crucial “genetic pathway” connecting virus populations in Europe and Asia. This finding underscores the importance of international cooperation in establishing disease surveillance systems to protect pollinating insects and maintain ecosystem health.
Successful Research Project and Future Collaboration
The research was part of the ‘Uzbekistan smart beekeeping productivity and robustness improvement integrated management technology development project,’ funded by the National Research Foundation of Korea from 2022 to 2025. The project received a top grade of ‘S’ in its recent final evaluation, as noted by principal investigator and co-corresponding author Professor Jeong Cheol-eui. Following these results, Tashkent Agricultural University has expressed strong interest in pursuing further joint projects to advance the beekeeping industry and ecosystem preservation between the two countries.
Kyungkuk National University’s Department of Plant Medicine
Established in 1988, the Department of Plant Medicine at Kyungkuk University has a long-standing tradition of training professionals in plant pathology and entomology. Graduates are employed in key public institutions, research institutes (including the Rural Development Administration and Korea Forest Service), the green bio industry, and graduate programs both domestically and internationally.
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