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10-Minute Presentation

Physiology, Biochemistry, and Toxicology

10-min: PBT, Genomics and Molecular Biology

Validation of inexpensive environmental DNA air samplers under laboratory and field conditions

Sunday, November 9, 2025
4:18 PM - 4:30 PM Pacific
Location: Oregon Convention Center, F152, OCC
Oral Presentation
The power of environmental DNA (eDNA) has been well demonstrated for vertebrates and invertebrates in aquatic environments, but it has yet to be fully understood in the air. Recent research has shown that sampling airborne arthropods' eDNA is possible; however, a standard protocol for sampling has yet to be established. We have developed custom, low-cost samplers and demonstrated that they can be used to collect airborne arthropod eDNA. The samplers are composed of battery-powered pumps used to pull air through fiber-glass filters at a known and controlled flow rate, capturing the eDNA. In this study, we investigate the relationship between sampling distance, duration, and target species abundance on eDNA yield. Following the extraction of DNA from the filters, we analyze the effects of these factors on eDNA yield and use the results to establish a robust and inexpensive standard for the collection of airborne eDNA. These calibrations can then be used with low-cost samplers to map large-scale agricultural infestations and contribute to decreased costs and environmental impacts when treating arthropod pests.