Research project Biosurveillance of Scolytinae using DNA metabarcoding
General introduction
To identify bark beetles (Scolytinae) more quickly and easily, the METASCOL project is focusing on the development of a large-scale molecular method. These beetles pose a threat to European forests as they are a common forest pest and are also a vector for transmision of other plant pathogens. The current morphological identification method for these beetles is labor-intensive and dependent on taxonomic expertise, which is becoming increasingly scarce.
Research approach
The project investigates and compares destructive and non-destructive DNA metabarcoding methods for the rapid and accurate identification of bark beetles collected from traps. Various barcodes and primers will be tested, and reference databases will be built. The sensitivity and specificity of the methods will be evaluated and compared with the classical morphological identification method.
Relevance/Valorization
By optimizing DNA metabarcoding for bark beetles, METASCOL aims to make the monitoring of this beetle family more efficient and large-scale, while reducing dependency on taxonomic expertise. This contributes to the early detection of beetle pests and the protection of Belgian forests from severe damage. The project aligns with European recommendations for improved monitoring of forest pests and offers an innovative alternative to existing methods.
Financing
FOD Volksgezondheid, Veiligheid van de voedselketen en Leefmilieu
