Abstract Detail

Conservation Biology

Whitehurst, Lauren [1], Burgess, Kevin [2], Worthy, Samantha [1], Marisco, Travis [3], Lucardi, Rima [4].

Implementing a DNA barcoding pipeline for the identification and prevention of invasive plant propagules entering ports.

Exotic invasive species pose one of the greatest threats to the security of this nation’s agriculture, food supply, and international commodity trade partnerships. The US Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection (USCBP) is responsible for securing our borders from propagules of invasive and potentially invasive organisms, in addition to threats to national security and safety. Researchers are now cooperating with USCBP and Georgia Ports Authority at the Port of Savannah (Georgia, USA) to establish the first effort to develop more effective technologies to support their existing monitoring program, whereby new technologies may be available to USCBP allowing for more informed and rapid decisions on interceptions. Our primary interest, at this time, involves seeds hitchhiking into the US on shipping containers. Through a multi-institution collaboration, surveys were conducted at the port to collect potentially viable propagules of Federal Noxious Weeds embedded in intake fan grilles on refrigerated shipping containers. We hypothesized that shipping containers may be vectors of small-fruited invasive species entry into the USA. The overarching approach is two-pronged: morphological identification of mature plants (derived from intercepted seeds) and development of DNA barcoding for rapid species identification for future products, decision making, and risk assessment by regulatory bodies.

1 - Columbus State University, Department of Biology, 4225 University Avenue, Columbus, GA, 31907, USA
2 - Columbus State University, Biology, 4225 University Ave., Columbus, GA, 31907, USA
3 - Arkansas State University, Department Of Biological Sciences, PO Box 599, State University, AR, 72467, USA
4 - USDA Forest Service, Southern Research Station, Athens, , GA, USA

Keywords:
conservation
Invasive
DNA barcoding
invasive species
Propagule.

Presentation Type: Poster
Session: P, Conservation Biology Posters
Location: Exhibit Hall/Savannah International Trade and Convention Center
Date: Monday, August 1st, 2016
Time: 5:30 PM This poster will be presented at 6:15 pm. The Poster Session runs from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm. Posters with odd poster numbers are presented at 5:30 pm, and posters with even poster numbers are presented at 6:15 pm.
Number: PCB014
Abstract ID:766
Candidate for Awards:None