Improving molecular techniques for detecting Asian carps: Using LAMP technology to make it portable and faster

Start Date

2015

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Aquatic invasive species are a significant concern, because they can cause environmental and economic damage. Preventing their spread is imperative to successful integrated pest management efforts, and the detection of environmental DNA (eDNA) has become an important surveillance method to detect the presence of Asian carps (bighead carp – Hypophthalmichthys nobilis and silver carp – Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) and other aquatic invasive species. However, most current methods to detect Asian carp eDNA (and DNA of other species) require specialized laboratories and equipment. Although the time to process eDNA samples in the laboratory is being reduced, the availability of a fast, point-of-need DNA detection tool could be very useful for certain applications for both research and natural resource management agencies. For example, water samples could be processed in the field to help guide more extensive, laboratory-based, eDNA surveillance sampling efforts or to detect the presence of Asian carp in other locations such as in a fish transport tank. In partnership with Middleton, WI-based Lucigen Corporation, USGS is evaluating a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) method that, when used with a portable amplification system, detects eDNA of Asian carps from water samples in as little as one hour (includes sample collection, processing, amplification and detection). Rapid eDNA-based detections of Asian carps (and of other species or pathogens) will provide managers near real-time information to support critical decisions in quick-response actions to stop the spread of invasive species and diseases.

• Great Lakes Restoration Initiative

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