Effects of life stage on eDNA detection of the invasive European green crab (Carcinus maenas) in estuarine systems

摘要: Abstract Early and efficient detection of rare invasive species is critical for the effective management their populations. Environmental DNA (eDNA) techniques have been used monitoring soft-bodied organisms (e.g., fishes) some invertebrates, primarily in freshwater systems, but there are limited examples eDNA as a method marine crustaceans. The present study evaluates efficacy applying methods detecting European green crab (Carcinus maenas) dynamic estuarine environment, effect life stage (sex, molt stage, ovigery, abundance) on rates. An initial field experiment conducted local salt marsh system detected no C. maenas sediment samples associated with traps containing maenas. In subsequent laboratory trials, aquaria one or two at different stages (soft-shell, hard-shell, male, female, ovigerous) were evaluated replicated treatments to test hypothesis that exudes higher levels when ovigerous, soft-shell, abundances. Duplicate slurry water collected from each aquarium (n = 23) prior addition (T-0), after 24 h (T-1), 4 days (T-2), 7 days (T-3). Sediment filtered, extracted, analyzed using species-specific droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) assay. all non-control aquaria, was detected, concentrations low (