Changing Aquatic Management one Gene at a Time

Thanks to GenPass LLC and it’s owner/operator Syndell Parks, Terrapin Aquatics Management is on the right track in controlling what has become a harmful weed, Variable Leaf Watermilfoil (Myriophyllum heterophyllum), in one of our local water bodies.  As aquatic managers we know how costly weed control can be, especially without proper identification.  Not knowing the exact species you are trying to control can not only be expensive and wasteful but can wreak ecological havoc as well.  Watermilfoil for example, has native, invasive, and hybrid invasive species.  There are also variants within each of these species that can make weed identification extremely difficult.  GenPass LLC provides positive identifications of Watermilfoil using genetic methods that help managers develop more effective action plans.

GenPass’s Watermilfoil Identification was as simple as one (sample collection), two (sample preparation), and three (sample shipping). GenPass did the rest!  Shortly after submitting our plant samples we received a summary of DNA data for our Watermilfoil along with our samples’ biotypes.  We were able to narrow down effective treatment methods based on the fact that we were faced with an invasion by Variable Leaf Watermilfoil.  That knowledge saved us time and resources while limiting any ecological damage.

These genetic insights are no longer beyond the reach or understanding of aquatic managers.  Syndell and GenPass are doing their part, and you can too.  And you don’t have to have a doctorate in biology to do so.  Please watch Syndell’s talk from TedX Muskegon https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BuC_fOTJQvE&index=3&list=PLmpFYatfc3t7VsX2UvY9xZXba1oI_ZFi0 to find out more about the history of GenPass and what they can do for you.  You’ll also learn how you can become a citizen scientist, helping to identify invasive tweeds, and stopping the spread of these harmful plants.

If you are looking to better identify a nuisance weed  Terrapin Aquatics Management and GenPass LLC can help.  We can be reached at (630) 423-1400, or via email at info@terrapinaquatics.com.  You can also find and like us on Facebook at Terrapin Aquatics Management.