This project addresses an urgent need for field-based detection tools for harmful invasive microbes and work with end-users to develop, validate, and deploy three practical and reliable LAMP assays.
Quickly detecting harmful microbes can be challenging due to methods that are either not very sensitive or require complex laboratory setups. To overcome these challenges, this MAISRC research team worked on creating a molecular tool that can detect DNA and RNA in the environment with high sensitivity, using a method called Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP). After consulting with users, the team has identified three priority microbes for this tool: viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV), largemouth bass virus (LMBV), and Didymosphenia geminata (Didymo).
Research findings:
Although the team faced significant technical and logistical challenges that prevented full validation of field-ready tests within the project timeline, the work produced important findings. Lab-based testing confirmed that eDNA can successfully detect all three targets in water. Active filtration worked best in still water such as lakes, while passive sampling was often more effective in flowing rivers. The research also showed that simple, rapid extraction methods can work and that passive sampling, which uses less equipment, holds strong promise for field use.
This project demonstrated both the potential and the remaining challenges of field-deployed eDNA detection. MAISRC researchers concluded that eDNA tools could significantly improve early detection and surveillance of AIS, but that refinement of testing platforms and reagents is needed before they can be reliably scaled for use in the field. The team is continuing this work and collaborating with partners to move these technologies closer to practical, on-the-ground application for water managers.