DNA Barcoding
Project status:
In Progress
Project Leader(s):
Dr Karen Armstrong, Lincoln University
Team Member(s):
Dr Laura Boykin, Lincoln University
Team Member(s):
Dr Peter Johnston, Landcare Research
Team Member(s):
Rupert Collins, Lincoln University
Team Member(s):
Dr Rob Cruikshank, Lincoln University 
This world-leading project has developed DNA barcoding for the identification of exotic and high-risk quarantine insects.
DNA barcoding uses a short, standardised fragment of a mitochondrial gene (COI) as a species-specific genetic identification tag. For the first time, this approach provides generic species identification tools for biosecurity that can be used on a global scale.
Our DNA barcoding research has encompassed a number of economically-important insects, such as tephritid fruit flies, Gypsy Moth and its allies, thrips, tachinid flies as well as a variety of other important insect groups.
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