Project:

Molecular detection of beech leaf disease nematodes in asymptomatic beach leaves

Students:

Katherine Murtagh, Gracyn Trudel

School:

The Ursuline School, Other

Mentors:

Oxana Litvine

Abstract:

Beech Trees are a common species across both North America and Europe. The trees themselves are a valuable habitat and food source for animals. They are important to preserving the biodiversity of the ecosystem. We will be utilizing DNA barcoding to identify the presence of a harmful nematode, Litylenchus crenatae mccannii, in the beech tree leaves. Using multiple methods of species identification such as iNaturalist, field guide identification, and DNA barcoding, we will be able to identify the presence of the nematode in the specimens of Beech Trees. This information will help us to better understand Beech Leaf Disease and its impact on the ecosystem.

Poster:

Team samples: