Project Description

Project Context :

Molecular tools for monitoring aquatic biodiversity are rapidly developing, but quantitative approaches remain limited and taxon-dependent. Their use could nonetheless improve understanding of species biology, life stages, and dynamics, particularly for invasive alien species that are difficult to monitor using conventional methods. This study focuses on the invasive aquatic plants Egeria densa and Lagarosiphon major, aiming to identify suitable genetic markers and assess the feasibility of quantitative monitoring using environmental DNA (eDNA).

Project Objectives :

The objective of the project is to characterize the genetic diversity of the two aquatic plant species across approximately a dozen water bodies along the Aquitaine coast. Following the sampling of individuals, their DNA will be extracted, molecular markers will be developed, SSRseq genotyping will be performed, and suitable primers will be designed.

Project Results

(i) Definition of genetic markers and primers for both species. (ii) Assessment of the genetic structure of both species and quantification of clonality.

To go further

Contact : aurelien.jamoneau@inrae.fr