Molecular diagnostic techniques for Asian green mussel (B1.17)

Task leader: Dr Kerry Neil, Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries.

Task associate: NA.

Project objectives:

• To collate and analyse literature and technical information on DNA sequence analysis of mussels in the Family Mytilidae with particular reference to members of the genus Perna.
• To develop specific DNA markers for identifying and distinguishing between members of the genus Perna and other mussel species established in Australia
  

Background, relevance and potential benefits

Non-indigenous invasive mussel species such as Asian green mussel and black-striped mussel have considerable potential to cause both environmental and economic impacts in Australian coastal waters. Early detection of invasive pest species is increasingly being recognised as an important requirement to facilitate the potential eradication of an invasive pest following an incursion.

The monitoring of Australian waterways for recently introduced invasive mussel species is typically done via in-water placement of settlement plates that are removed at regular intervals and settling organisms are then manually examined under a dissecting microscope. Settlement plate monitoring has the disadvantage of collecting a lot of non-target ‘settling’ organisms [e.g over 3000 taxa can be collected over a 4-6 week period, K Neil (pers comm.)] as well as the need for target organisms to reach a suitable size to be readily identifiable.

Availability of a DNA based ‘probe’ technique could significantly facilitate early detection of target organisms through reduction in the requirements for (i) manual sorting and examination of non-target species and (ii) target species to reach a certain age/size to be identifiable. A DNA-based probe technique may also enable enhanced (more sensitive – i.e less false negative error) monitoring for target species when used in combination with alternative sampling methodologies (to settlement plates) that could potentially target the detection of pre-settlement stages (e.g. in areas designated likely to have a high larval availability in the water column).