ABSTRACT
A
real-time reverse transcription-PCR method targeting the
rbcL gene was developed for the detection and quantitation of
the Florida red tide organism, Karenia brevis. The assay was
sensitive to less than 1 cell per reaction, did not detect
rbcL from 38 nontarget taxa, and accurately quantitated K.
brevis organisms in red tide samples from around Florida. These
studies have resulted in a sensitive and specific method for K.
brevis detection in the marine
environment.
Effects of Oils and Dispersant on the Red Tide Organism Cochlodinium Polykrikoides