UBC-Developed Genomic Tool to Combat Invasive Spongy Moth
Invasive species pose a significant threat to Canada’s ecosystems and economy, costing billions of dollars annually. Researchers at the University of British Columbia (UBC) have developed a new genomic test, SpongySeq, to trace the origin of the Asian spongy moth (Lymantria dispar), a destructive forest pest. This tool aims to help officials prevent new infestations before they spread.
The Asian spongy moth is particularly concerning because, unlike the European spongy moth which has been present in North America for over a century and spreads slowly due to the flightlessness of its females, the Asian variety can travel long distances. It too feeds on a wider range of trees, including conifers, and lacks strong natural controls, making it a high-risk invader.
Identifying the Source with a Genomic ‘Passport’
Spongy moths often spread by laying egg masses on ships’ hulls and cargo. Detection typically occurs when vessels arrive at ports for inspection. Once established, eradication is extremely difficult, making prevention crucial. To address this, a team led by Dr. Richard Hamelin, professor in UBC’s department of forest and conservation sciences, collaborated with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Natural Resources Canada, and Université Laval to create SpongySeq.
SpongySeq functions as a “genomic passport,” analyzing 283 specific DNA markers from a sample—whether it be an egg, wing, or antenna—to pinpoint a moth’s geographic origin with 97% accuracy. Research published in BMC Genomics details the development and application of this tool.
Real-World Application and Future Potential
Dr. Sandrine Picq, lead author of the study and a researcher at Natural Resources Canada, tested SpongySeq on egg masses intercepted by U.S. Port officials, successfully tracing their origins to Japan, eastern Russia, northern China, and South Korea. “These insights will help regulatory agencies understand invasion pathways and focus inspection efforts where they are most needed,” Dr. Picq stated.
Brittany Day of the Plant Research & Strategies team at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency emphasized the economic benefits of prevention: “Invasive species cost billions of dollars annually in lost ecosystem services, reduced resource sector productivity and management efforts. Preventing an outbreak avoids huge costs in phytosanitary work, loss of trade and market access, tree removal and replacement.” The Canadian Food Inspection Agency plans to integrate SpongySeq into its spongy moth diagnostic testing program.
Currently, SpongySeq requires specialized sequencing equipment found in laboratories. Researchers are working to adapt the tool for field leverage, enabling inspectors to identify moth origins in real-time at ports and border checkpoints. The genomic approach could also be applied to track other invasive species.
The research is part of the BioSurveillance of Alien Forest Enemies (BioSAFE) project and was supported by grants from Genome Canada, Genome BC, Genome Quebec, and the Genomics Research and Development Initiative (GRDI).