Real-Time PCR-Based Method for Sex Determination in Lake Sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens)

The characterization of demographic features in natural populations is important to understand recruitment dynamics, mating systems, and propensities for loss genetic diversity. accurate identification sex can be difficult sexually monomorphic species. We present a melt curve analysis based on qPCR assays lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) validation using the AllWSex2 marker adult males females (total N = 143) with an assigned field from two (Black Lake, MI, Menominee River, MI–WI border, USA). assay highly (~98% concordance between putative or confirmed molecular classification), fast, easy use. detected inconsistencies sexing were partially attributed field-sexing uncertainty. This method will allow researchers rapidly determine individuals this regionally threatened species use conservation efforts research.