Group-specific primers for DNA-based detection of springtails (Hexapoda : Collembola) within predator gut contents

Abstract

Group-specific, degenerate polymerase chain reaction primers for DNA-based detection of springtails (Hexapoda: Collembola) within predator gut contents have been developed for the first time. Primers were designed from 18S rDNA and amplified fragments of 272 bp and 177 bp from 17 springtail species collected in agricultural habitats. Specificity tests against 41 nontarget species revealed no cross-reactivity. Group-specific polymerase chain reaction is advantageous when working in species-rich habitats and these primers could facilitate studies of trophic links between springtails and generalist arthropod predators worldwide.

Keywords

18S rDNA; Collembola; degenerate primers; gut-content analysis; molecular marker; predation

Published in

Molecular Ecology Notes
2008, Volume: 8, number: 3, pages: 678-681 Publisher: BLACKWELL PUBLISHING

SLU Authors

• Kuusk, Anna-Karin

  • Department of Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

UKÄ Subject classification

Agricultural Science


Publication identifier

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1471-8286.2007.02046.x

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/18466