Terrestrial Applications of eDNA for Pollinator Diversity Assessment
Faculty Mentor Information
Dr. David Pilliod (Mentor), USGS Pacific Northwest Environmental DNA Laboratory
Abstract
Environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis has emerged as a groundbreaking tool in resource management and conservation efforts. While eDNA methods have proven useful for detecting species in aquatic environments, new research into applications in terrestrial ecosystems are emerging. Researchers from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) are developing a method that uses eDNA to survey pollinator species at solar installations and comparing those results to nearby agricultural areas. In this approach, artificial flowers are deployed at 10 paired sites across the country for the purpose of assessing diversity of pollinators, specifically various bee species, by obtaining pollinator eDNA that is left behind on plant and artificial flower surfaces during nectar feeding. Results from this survey will be compared to traditional surveys of trapping and netting at the same locations. Data on pollinators can be collected non-invasively and non-lethally using eDNA surveys, providing vital insight into the effectiveness of pollinator-friendly solar power installations. This research demonstrates eDNA's transformative role in terrestrial ecology, enhancing ecological assessments and potentially guiding conservation strategies for protecting pollinator diversity. Here I present an overview of this and related research that I have assisted with during my internship with USGS's Pacific Northwest eDNA Laboratory under the LSAMP program.
Terrestrial Applications of eDNA for Pollinator Diversity Assessment
Environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis has emerged as a groundbreaking tool in resource management and conservation efforts. While eDNA methods have proven useful for detecting species in aquatic environments, new research into applications in terrestrial ecosystems are emerging. Researchers from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) are developing a method that uses eDNA to survey pollinator species at solar installations and comparing those results to nearby agricultural areas. In this approach, artificial flowers are deployed at 10 paired sites across the country for the purpose of assessing diversity of pollinators, specifically various bee species, by obtaining pollinator eDNA that is left behind on plant and artificial flower surfaces during nectar feeding. Results from this survey will be compared to traditional surveys of trapping and netting at the same locations. Data on pollinators can be collected non-invasively and non-lethally using eDNA surveys, providing vital insight into the effectiveness of pollinator-friendly solar power installations. This research demonstrates eDNA's transformative role in terrestrial ecology, enhancing ecological assessments and potentially guiding conservation strategies for protecting pollinator diversity. Here I present an overview of this and related research that I have assisted with during my internship with USGS's Pacific Northwest eDNA Laboratory under the LSAMP program.