We developed multiplexed, species-specific, quantitative PCR assays for the detection of four freshwater mussel species native to western North America, Gonidea angulata, Margaritifera falcata, Anodonta nuttalliana and Anodonta oregonensis, from environmental DNA (eDNA). These species have experienced dramatic declines over the last century and are currently threatened in many portions of their ranges. Therefore, improved tools for detecting and monitoring these species are needed. Species-specificity and sensitivity of assays were empirically tested in the lab, and multiplex assays were also validated with field collected eDNA samples. All assays were species-specific, sensitive, and effective for detection from eDNA samples collected from streams and rivers. These assays will aid in the detection, monitoring, management, and conservation of these vulnerable species.

中文翻译：

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使用多重qPCR分析法从环境DNA中检测四种濒临灭绝的北美西部淡水贻贝物种

我们开发了多重，物种特异性的定量PCR分析方法，用于检测北美西部原生的四种淡水贻贝物种，Gonidea angulata，Margaritifera falcata，Anodonta nuttalliana和Anodonta oregonensis，来自环境DNA（eDNA）。这些物种在上个世纪经历了急剧的下降，目前在其范围的许多部分都受到威胁。因此，需要用于检测和监视这些物种的改进工具。在实验室中对试验的物种特异性和敏感性进行了经验测试，并且还使用现场收集的eDNA样品验证了多重分析的有效性。所有测定均具有物种特异性，灵敏性，并且对于从河流和河流收集的eDNA样品的检测均有效。这些测定将有助于检测，监测，管理和保护这些脆弱物种。