Reclamation Information Sharing Environment (RISE)

The present study evaluated the use of sediment DNA analysis for detection of quagga mussels from environmental samples. The study evaluated techniques for sample preservation and DNA extraction, and developed methods suited to the sample types encountered in Reclamation reservoirs. Established quantitative PCR (qPCR) assays were successfully used to detect quagga mussel DNA in sediments from reservoirs and lakes with established populations. The sediment eDNA technique was validated, but its applicability to early detection of invasive mussels may be limited.