| dc.description.abstract | Monitoring alien species introduction pathways is a central strategy in early detection of alien species. eDNA metabarcoding is a potentially valuable method for detecting alien species and describing source populations of introduction pathways. In this study, eDNA metabarcoding was used to identify and assess source populations of contaminant species of vascular plants and fungi in ornamental plant imports to Norway. By filtering identified contaminant species to various records and databases, a range of native species, known alien species, and potentially emerging alien species to Norway were identified. Also, the richness and composition of contaminant species was found to vary between samples from different ornamental taxa and import containers. Further, estimates of contaminant species richness exceeded the number of observed species in sampled import containers. Lastly, increased sampling effort per sampled ornamental pot contributed to increased species detection. The findings of this study highlight the need for continued research and monitoring to assess and understand predictors of contaminant species source populations in ornamental imports, and the importance of appropriate study design and sampling effort for increasing species detection. The study concludes that metabarcoding is an valuable additional tool for identifying and assessing source populations of contaminant species in ornamental imports. | |
