To develop a molecular detection technique capable of detecting the presence or any life cycle stages of mussels in the Genus Perna (B1.25b)

Task leader: Dr David Blair, James Cook University

Task associate: 3rd Party Contract

Objectives

• Conduct additional oligonucleotide sequence analysis (using coxl gene) of pernaeid mussel, material gathered from various geographic sources (USA, Hong Kong, Venezuela and New Zealand)
• Design and testing of PCR primers that will amplify a portion of the coxl gene of any Perna species.
• Design and testing of PCR primers that will preferentially amplify samples derived from Perna viridis.
• Design and Testing of nested PCR primers that are specific for producing a PCR product from tissue derived from Perna. Viridis
• Design and testing of a PCR-RFLP approach to confirm that any product of the nested PCR primers developed under item 4. is derived from Perna viridis.