INTRODUCTION

Freshwater biodiversity is threatened by the introduction of non indigenous species because of the major impact they have on both ecosystems and industrial installations. Among these aquatic invasive species, molluscs of the genus Corbicula and Dreissena are one of the most successful groups and are of particular concern. They are benthic filter-feeders inducing ecological impacts such as competition with native bivalves or phytoplankton decline and also biofouling problems. Besides studying their impact, we are also investigating the taxonomic status of these invasive species, their ecology and are conducting, using mitochondrial and nuclear genetic markers, an elaborated phylogeographical study of both genera to understand the historical processes that may be responsible for their contemporary geographic distribution.

GRANTS

- FUNDP PhD grant to Lise-Marie Pigneur (2006-2012) - FRFC project 2.4.655.09 .F (2009-2012) Entitled: “The evolutionary genetics and ecology of the invasive Asian clam (Corbicula spp.) in Europe, and of the ancient asexual bdelloid rotifers.” - FNRS PhD grant to Jonathan Marescaux (2010-2014) - FEP project Axe 3 (SPW Wallonie, Fonds Européen pour la pêche) (2012-2015) Entitled: “Etat des stocks de poissons en Meuse belge, identification des causes de déclin et proposition de mesures de remediation”

ANDROGENESIS

Androgenesis is a peculiar asexual mode of reproduction in which the descendants carry nuclear chromosomes from the male parent only. We are investigating, at the genetic and cytological levels, the phenomenon of androgenesis using as model organism the invasive basket clams Corbicula. Our research project will tackle questions such as: Why are several Corbicula lineages reproducing via androgenesis and appear to be successful while the sexual relatives are restricted to their native Asian region? What is the origin of androgenesis within Corbicula and how is it maintained? How is unreduced, biflagellate sperm produced in invasive Corbicula clams?

GRANTS

- FNRS PhD grant to Emilie Etoundi (2011-2015) - FNRS PDR project submitted

RESEARCHERS INVOLVED

Dr. LM Pigneur, Jonathan Marescaux, Emilie Etoundi and collaborators Prof. JP Descy (URBE, FUNDP), Adrien Latli (URBE, FUNDP), Prof. P Kestemont (URBE, FUNDP), Dr. S Hedtke (Cornell University, USA), Prof JN Beisel (University of Metz), Dr. A bij de Vaate (Waterfauna Hydrobiologisch Adviesbureau, Netherlands), Dr C Heude (Université de Caen Basse-Normandie, France), Prof D Molloy (State University of New York, USA), Prof L Giamberini (University of Lorraine, France), Prof. T Wilke (Justus Liebig University, Germany), Dr. D Aldridge (University of Cambridge, UK), Prof. N Yasuda (University of Miyazaki, Japan)