Abstract

Invasive alien species, along with climate change, are major contributing factors to biodiversity loss, and their unintentional introduction through imported goods is increasing. Termites, as wood-feeding insects, pose a significant threat when introduced into Korea via imported wood, necessitating a rapid and accurate identification method. In this study, we developed a diagnostic method based on species-specific genetic sequences for identifying Reticulitermes kanmonensis, a recently identified species. Termite samples were collected from Wanju-gun, Jeollabuk-do, and subjected to whole-genome sequencing to pinpoint species-specific genetic sequences. Utilizing these sequences, we designed primer sets and employed TaqMan-based primer sets and qPCR analysis to select the final primer sets capable of rapidly distinguishing R. kanmonensis. The genetic detection method developed here offers a rapid means of identifying alien termite species, likely enhancing termite management and quarantine practices in Korea.