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Simple, sensitive and species-specific assays for detecting quagga and zebra mussels (Dreissena rostriformis bugensis and D. polymorpha) using environmental DNA

Blackman, Rosetta C; Benucci, Marco; Donnelly, Robert; Hänfling, Bernd; Harper, Lynsey R; Sellers, Graham S; Lawson-Handley, Lori

Authors

Rosetta C Blackman

Marco Benucci

Robert Donnelly

Bernd Hänfling

Lynsey R Harper

Graham S Sellers



Abstract

Early detection is paramount for attempts to remove invasive non-native species (INNS). Traditional methods rely on physical sampling and morphological identification, which can be problematic when species are in low densities and/or are cryptic. The use of environmental DNA (eDNA) as a monitoring tool in freshwater systems is becoming increasingly acceptable and widely used for the detection of single species. Here we demonstrate the development and application of standard PCR primers for the detection of two freshwater invasive species which are high priority for monitoring in the UK and elsewhere: the Dreissenid mussels; Dreissena rostriformis bugensis (Andrusov, 1987) and D. polymorpha (Pallas, 1771). We carried out a rigorous validation process for testing the new primers, including DNA detection and degradation experiments in mesocosms, and a field comparison with traditional monitoring protocols. eDNA from single individuals of both mussel species could be detected within four hours of the start of the mesocosm experiment. In field trials, the two mussel species were detected at all sites where the species are known to be present, and eDNA consistently outperformed traditional kick-net sampling for species detection. These results demonstrate the applicability of standard PCR for eDNA detection of freshwater invasive species.

Citation

Blackman, R. C., Benucci, M., Donnelly, R., Hänfling, B., Harper, L. R., Sellers, G. S., & Lawson-Handley, L. (2020). Simple, sensitive and species-specific assays for detecting quagga and zebra mussels (Dreissena rostriformis bugensis and D. polymorpha) using environmental DNA. Management of Biological Invasions, 11(2), 218-236. https://doi.org/10.3391/mbi.2020.11.2.04

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Dec 2, 2019
Publication Date Feb 28, 2020
Deposit Date Jan 17, 2020
Publicly Available Date Mar 29, 2024
Journal Management of Biological Invasions
Electronic ISSN 1989-8649
Publisher Regional Euro-Asian Biological Invasions Centre (REABIC)
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 11
Issue 2
Pages 218-236
DOI https://doi.org/10.3391/mbi.2020.11.2.04
Keywords Dreissenidae, detection, invasive, mesocosm, molecular, PCR
Public URL https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/1151072
Publisher URL https://www.reabic.net/journals/mbi/2020/2/MBI_2020_Blackman_etal.pdf