DNA which is released from an organism into the environment is coming into play in the fight against a major threat to the bee and pollination industries.
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry is testing new methods for detecting environmental DNA (eDNA) of Varroa mite.
Attorney general deputy secretary of biosecurity and compliance Peter Timson said eDNA technology was being evaluated as a mobile, rapid and efficient way to evaluate for pest species on the biosecurity front line.
"This research project is about developing a framework of standard measures and portable detection technology to use eDNA to screen for biosecurity threats in the field," Mr Timson said.
The testing comes under the Biosecurity Innovation Program's Biosecurity molecular screening using eDNA project.
"It is a notable example of our Biosecurity Innovation Program at work supporting innovative approaches to address emerging biosecurity challenges, and developing cost effective, innovative technologies for biosecurity screening," Mr Timson said.
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"This research looked at best practice sample collection for eDNA extraction, and how best to deploy eDNA and portable detection technology for operational use.
The eDNA technology offers opportunities as a rapid screening tool not only in biosecurity operation such as cargo screening but also in compliance investigation and enforcement activities, including offshore, to ensure compliance with our biosecurity requirements.
Australia's chief plant protection officer Dr Gabrielle Vivian-Smith said the project focussed on bee parasites such as Varroa and invasive bee species developed during the successful eradication of Varroa jacobsoni in Townsville under the National Varroa Mite Eradication Program (NVMEP).
"We used portable eDNA technology to detect exotic invasive honey bees and bee parasites by monitoring beehives, honey and rainbow bee-eater bird pellets," Dr Vivian-Smith said.
"These eDNA methods offer immense potential to improve the accuracy and efficiency of our programs supporting honey bee health, surveillance and pest eradication, such as during the NVMEP.
"The project helped develop technical capability in eDNA methods and testing. It also identified operational requirements and assessed the limitations and cost effectiveness of the technology.
"As a result, we now have standard operating procedures for using this technology in honey bee surveillance including sample collection, eDNA extraction and testing of bee-eater pellets and beehives."
These methods were also validated by testing of confirmed Varroa infested beehives as part of the NSW response activities and are being trialled by our Technical Response Team for wild European honey bee nest surveillance.
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