DNA test detects didymo
13 Aug, 2007
Source: University of Waikato
A new test for early detection of the invasive freshwater pest didymo has been developed by scientists at the University of Waikato.
Didymo, also called ‘rock snot’, is a single-celled microorganism that can spread from one river or lake to another by water, equipment, clothing, vehicles, or other damp items. It forms massive blooms on the bottom of streams, rivers and lakes, smothering rocks and submerged plants.
The highly sensitive DNA test enables early detection of didymo in waterways, even before new infestations are visible. Using gene amplification technologies, it can detect didymo at very low levels (<1 cell/ml).
“Developments in molecular technology now allow rapid and specific low level detection of algal species,” co-developer Professor Craig Cary says.
“If we can detect didymo early here in the North Island, we have a much better chance of preventing its spread and even possibly eradicating it using a chemical control tool currently being developed.”
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- Published:
- 13 November 2007
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