EARLY DETECTION OF FRESHWATER EXOTIC INVASIVE MACROPHYTES THROUGH ENVIRONMENTAL DNA

Exotic invasive macrophytes are reshaping freshwater ecosystems, by changing community composition and altering key ecosystem functions and services. Early detection of exotic invasive macrophytes is essential for effective management, yet current monitoring approaches still rely heavily on traditional field surveys. These surveys are often costly and require specialized taxonomic expertise to identify species. As a result, sustainable solutions for detecting invasive macrophytes remain a major challenge for freshwater managers. Environmental DNA (eDNA) analyses are increasingly used for freshwater monitoring and provide a promising approach for tracking exotic invasive macrophytes. With this approach, water samples can be collected by non-scientists with minimal training and sent to a lab to detect the presence of selected species. We are developing an eDNA detection tool suitable for a large-scale exotic invasive macrophytes monitoring program. First, we used community metabarcoding sequencing to monitor both the presence of exotic invasive species and their potential impact on the local community. Then, we developed a targeted detection tool for Myriophyllum spicatum, a high-priority invasive macrophyte in Québec. Our preliminary results show positive detection of exotic invasive macrophytes through metabarcoding sequencing and successful discrimination of the invasive M. spicatum from other taxa through qPCR analysis. These tools can facilitate widespread, rapid, and cost-effective monitoring of exotic invasive macrophytes across Québec.

Presentation Preference: Standard Oral (12 Minutes)

Primary Presenter: Irene Gregory-Eaves, McGill University (irene.gregory-eaves@mcgill.ca)

Authors:

Valerie Langlois, McGill University  (valerie.langlois3@mail.mcgill.ca)

Lars Iversen, McGill University  (lars.iversen@mcgill.ca)

Grace Fedirchuk, McGill University  (grace.fedirchuk@mail.mcgill.ca)

Morgan Botrel, University of Quebec at Rimouski  (morgan_botrel@uqar.ca)

Ioannis Ragoussis, McGill University  (ioannis.ragoussis@mcgill.ca)

Marie-Eve Tousignant, Quebec Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Parks and Fauna  (marie-eve.tousignant@environnement.gouv.qc.ca)

Vani Mohit, Quebec Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Fauna and Parks  (vani.mohit@environnement.gouv.qc.ca)

Irene Gregory-Eaves, McGill University  (irene.gregory-eaves@mcgill.ca)