Toward invasive mussel genetic biocontrol: Approaches, challenges, and perspectives
Víctor H. Hernández Elizárraga,
Scott Ballantyne,
Lindsey G. O'Brien,
Juliana A. Americo,
Steven T. Suhr,
Marie-Claude Senut,
Ben Minerich,
Christopher M. Merkes,
Thea M. Edwards,
Katy Klymus,
Catherine A. Richter,
Diane L. Waller,
Yale J. Passamaneck,
Mauro F. Rebelo,
Daryl M. Gohl
Affiliations
Víctor H. Hernández Elizárraga
University of Minnesota Genomics Center, Minneapolis, MN, USA
Scott Ballantyne
Department of Biology, University of Wisconsin River Falls, River Falls, WI, USA
Lindsey G. O'Brien
University of Minnesota Genomics Center, Minneapolis, MN, USA
Juliana A. Americo
Bio Bureau Biotecnologia, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Steven T. Suhr
Biomilab LLC, Lansing, MI, USA
Marie-Claude Senut
Biomilab LLC, Lansing, MI, USA
Ben Minerich
Minnesota Zoo, Apple Valley, MN, USA
Christopher M. Merkes
U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, La Crosse, WI, USA
Thea M. Edwards
U.S. Geological Survey, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, MO, USA
Katy Klymus
U.S. Geological Survey, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, MO, USA
Catherine A. Richter
U.S. Geological Survey, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, MO, USA
Diane L. Waller
U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, La Crosse, WI, USA
Yale J. Passamaneck
Bureau of Reclamation, Technical Service Center, Hydraulic Investigations and Laboratory Services, Ecological Research Laboratory, Denver, CO, USA; Corresponding author
Mauro F. Rebelo
Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Corresponding author
Daryl M. Gohl
University of Minnesota Genomics Center, Minneapolis, MN, USA; Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA; Corresponding author
Summary: Invasive freshwater mussels, such as the zebra (Dreissena polymorpha), quagga (Dreissena rostriformis bugensis), and golden (Limnoperna fortunei) mussel have spread outside their native ranges throughout many regions of the North American, South American, and European continents in recent decades, damaging infrastructure and the environment. This review describes ongoing efforts by multiple groups to develop genetic biocontrol methods for invasive mussels. First, we provide an overview of genetic biocontrol strategies that have been applied in other invasive or pest species. Next, we summarize physical and chemical methods that are currently in use for invasive mussel control. We then describe the multidisciplinary approaches our groups are employing to develop genetic biocontrol tools for invasive mussels. Finally, we discuss the challenges and limitations of applying genetic biocontrol tools to invasive mussels. Collectively, we aim to openly share information and combine expertise to develop practical tools to enable the management of invasive freshwater mussels.
