A novel fluorescence and DNA combination for versatile, long-term marking of mosquitoes.

ABSTRACT: Current mark-release-recapture methodologies are limited in their ability to address complex problems in vector biology, such as studying multiple groups overlapping in space and time. Additionally, limited mark retention, reduced post-marking survival and the large effort in marking, collection and recapture all complicate effective insect tracking.We have developed and evaluated a marking method using a fluorescent dye (SmartWater^®) combined with synthetic DNA tags to informatively and efficiently mark adult mosquitoes using an airbrush pump and nebulizer. Using a handheld UV flashlight, the fluorescent marking enabled quick and simple initial detection of recaptures in a field-ready and non-destructive approach that when combined with an extraction-free PCR on individual mosq

SUBMITTER: Faiman R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8252004 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature