Aquatic Plant eDNA & eRNA Test Kit (3 tests)

This test uses advanced environmental DNA (eDNA) and environmental RNA (eRNA) testing to deliver the most accurate, early-stage detection of invasive aquatic plants—species that threaten native biodiversity, disrupt ecosystems, and impair recreational and commercial water use across North America.

Each order includes three (3) sampling cartridges, allowing collection of discrete water samples from three targeted locations within the lake for laboratory analysis.

Using qPCR technology, this test identifies genetic material shed by the target plant species into the water, even when no visible plants are present. This dual-method approach enables lake managers and conservation professionals to act proactively—supporting early intervention, habitat protection, and long-term lake health.

Why Both eDNA and eRNA?

• eDNA detects any genetic material from the target plant species in the water—such as fragments from leaves, stems, or roots. It’s ideal for identifying whether the species has been present, even if it’s no longer actively growing.
• eRNA breaks down much faster and is only present when the plant is metabolically active. Detecting eRNA indicates that the species is currently alive and functioning in the ecosystem—making it a powerful marker of active growth and reproduction.

By testing for both, you gain a far more complete picture: 1) eDNA shows historical or trace presence, and 2) eRNA confirms active, potentially spreading infestations

This combination is critical for distinguishing between past contamination and urgent, active risk—especially in lakes preparing for treatment, containment, or restoration strategies.

Methodology

Our partner lab uses quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR)—a highly sensitive method that amplifies small fragments of DNA specific to aquatic plants, and for RNA we reverse transcribe plants RNA into cDNA and amplify cDNA.

In plain terms: Every plant sheds tiny traces into the water—like fragments of leaves, stems, pollen, or root material. qPCR acts like a high-precision detector, scanning for these molecular signals and amplifying them, so even a few microscopic particles can confirm a plant’s presence. It’s like finding a botanical fingerprint in the middle of a vast lake.