The lab starts pollen DNA metabarcoding work

We’re getting the molecular side of our work going again with DNA metabarcoding of pollen. DNA metabarcoding is the process of identifying species in a multi-species sample by using genetic markers. We’re doing this with pollen that was removed from pollinators that we caught in the field. This process gives us a more accurate and complete idea of which species of pollen are being transferred and when and where these plant-pollinator interactions occur. Kaysee and Manogya have started making pollen slides to see if our samples have enough pollen. Next, we will test our equipment and supplies and start processing our pollen from the past three field seasons.