USGS Grant for Developing Rapid eDNA Tools for Invasive Species Surveillance

One of the most effective action in invasive species management is to prevent initial introductions or to prevent spread into additional areas. Surveillance for invasive species at points of entry is an important way to limit this spread yet recognizing presence of invasives in shipments or other modes of transport can be challenging. In many cases, invasives may be difficult to detect visually or identify to species. Environmental DNA methods have potential to improve surveillance at points of entry assuming some key conditions are met. These conditions include eDNA assays that can be deployed in the field, provide rapid results, and be able to be easily and consistently implemented by personnel without laboratory experience. Currently there do not exist rapid eDNA assays that are widely used at federal and state points of entry. However, recent work with lyophilized LAMP assays have shown promise to implement eDNA assays in field environments, with assays developed for invasive carp and dreissenid mussels that have been used on bait tanks and imported moss balls, respectively. This initial work has demonstrated the promise of isothermal eDNA detection approaches and can be deployed completely at the point of entry. Despite this, questions remain regarding the most efficient and sensitive methods for isolating and amplifying eDNA, and this likely varies depending on the sample template (water, plant, soil, etc.). Even if a method does not require laboratory equipment, it may not meet all personnel’s standards for ease of implementation and time for sample preparation. Ultimately, a highly sensitive one-tube collection and amplification approach would provide the greatest utility and facilitate the use of eDNA at ports of entry. Any method would require validation using known isothermal assays already developed for invasive species.