Call for Participation: Collaborative Study on the Characterization of Soil Invertebrate Communities Using DNA Metabarcoding

liu.yue@quodata.de
Collaborative Study on the Characterization of Soil Invertebrate Communities Using DNA Metabarcoding

Overview and Aim of the Study

QuoData is excited to announce the collaborative study on the characterization of soil invertebrate communities using DNA metabarcoding. 

This study aims to validate genetic methods for soil invertebrate community characterization, focusing on DNA extraction and metabarcoding PCRs. These methods will be used for soil quality assessment. The validated methods will be submitted to ISO for preparation of new ISO standards.

Laboratory Requirements

Laboratories equipped for and experienced in DNA extraction from eukaryotic specimens and PCR methods are invited to participate in the study. 

Participation is completely free of charge.

Study Details

The collaborative study involves a test phase and a validation phase. In the test phase, participants will process two samples—one soil invertebrate sample and one DNA sample of invertebrates—according to the provided protocols, and check for their DNA amounts and quality.

Within the validation phase six soil invertebrate mock community samples for DNA extraction and PCRs, and three DNA samples of these mock communities for PCRs only are provided. Participants will extract DNA, assess its quality and concentration, mix DNA from the different invertebrate groups, perform PCRs, and send the results for sequencing.

Timeline

  • Shipping of Samples: November 4-8, 2024
  • Deadline for Submission of Results for Test Samples: December 8, 2024
  • Analysis of Validation Samples: January 2 - February 28, 2025

Organization and Support

The study is organized in cooperation with Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung LOEWE-TBG, Fraunhofer IME, QuoData GmbH, and Institut Dr. Nowak GmbH & Co. KG. It is part of the “MetaInvert” project, supported by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action.

Participation

Participation is free of charge. You can register until the 30th of October 2024 here: Collaborative Study on Soil Invertebrates.

QuoData looks forward to your participation!

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