Evaluating a novel eDNA protocol for starry stonewort (Nitellopsis obtusa) in Ontario lakes

Starry stonewort is a non-native macroalgae that has invaded lakes across eastern North America. In Ontario, there is high potential for starry stonewort to expand its invasion of lakes, but documenting its distribution has been difficult due to a lack of broad-scale monitoring and misidentification by practitioners and the public. Environmental DNA (eDNA) is an emerging genetic tool for detecting organisms in aquatic ecosystems, and may be a promising method for early detection of starry stonewort in lakes where it is expected, but not yet reported. This proposed research project aims to, for the first time, develop and test an eDNA monitoring protocol for starry stonewort in aquatic ecosystems. We will test lakes with known starry stonewort populations (Simcoe and Scugog) as well as perform a survey of 12 lakes in south-central Ontario to validate eDNA as an effective surveillance tool. It is anticipated that the establishment of an eDNA protocol for starry stonewort will help lake managers be proactive in management initiatives, especially when starry stonewort eDNA is detected in lakes where starry stonewort distribution is constrained, abundance is low, and management strategies to stop the invasion are most effective.

Faculty Supervisor:

Andrea Kirkwood

Student:

Partner:

Scugog Lake Stewards Inc.

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Agriculture

University:

University of Ontario Institute of Technology

Program: