Gather and analyze molecular information, and generate molecular resources, which will improve the USDA's ability to detect and respond to invasions by destructive non-native hornet species

Purdue's contributions to this effort are focused on three main activities: (1) coordinating sampling and sequencing of data collected from these invasive hornets' native populations, as well as from existing invasive populations (most notably, the ongoing vespa velutina invasion in georgia state); (2) generating new genome assemblies for three invasive hornet species for which assemblies are currently lacking; and (3) using the data generated by (1) and (2) to create new resources that will enable the USDA to more rapidly and precisely respond to future hornet invasions. These resources will include both rapid diagnostic tools for quick identification of intercepted hornets, as well as the world's first detailed hornet genomic database, which will enable points of origin to be determined for hornet introductions, thereby strengthening our ability to identify and prevent future such events. A rapid government response, backed by molecular work carried out by this same project team, played a key role in curbing the spread of invasive v. Mandarinia in the pacific northwest in 2019-2022 (taylor ET AL. In press). This work thereby prevented the establishment of an invasive species that otherwise would have had a disastrous impact on honey bees and the agricultural systems that they support. As such, the outcomes supported by this agreement will be directly beneficial to US farmers and agriculture.