ExoticBOL: Identifying Insect Pests at US Ports of Entry

Author: Robyn Tse, Massapequa High School
Mentor: Mark Stoeckle, Program for the Human Environment, Rockefeller University
Winner, Honorable Mention, Urban Barcode Project, June 2012

INTRO

Prompt recognition of agricultural pests is imperative to prevent economic and ecological damage

HYPOTHESIS

DNA barcoding can supplement or substitute for entomological expertise in identifying insect pests

METHODS

RESULTS

CONCLUSION

DNA barcoding is a potential aid to rapid, accurate identification of insect pests at U.S. ports of entry

NEXT STEPS

  • Improve barcode recovery (test alternate extraction methods, primers, storage conditions)
  • Improve reference libraries (many pest species currently not represented)

HONORS

ExoticBOL was awarded Honorable Mention at the Urban Barcode Project (UBP) award ceremony held at American Museum of Natural History, June 2012 (ExoticBOL abstract, photos, and video presentation are posted on UBP site)

Download Powerpoint

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Newark International Airport
Frances Krim Memorial Inspection Station, APHIS, USDA
DNA Learning Center, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratories
Harlem DNA Laboratory
GenSpace
American Museum of Natural History
The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation

URL: https://phe.rockefeller.edu/barcode/exoticbol.html
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