Environmental DNA as an emerging tool in botanical research

Over the past quarter century, environmental DNA (eDNA) has been ascendant as a tool to detect, measure, and monitor biodiversity (species and communities), as a means of elucidating biological interaction networks, and as a window into understanding past patterns of biodiversity. However, only recently has the potential of eDNA been realized in the botanical world. Here we synthesize the state of eDNA applications in botanical systems with emphases on aquatic, ancient, contemporary sediment, and airborne systems, and focusing on both single-species approaches and multispecies community metabarcoding. Further, we describe how abiotic and biotic factors, taxonomic resolution, primer choice, spatiotemporal scales, and relative abundance influence the utilization and interpretation of airborne eDNA results. Lastly, we explore several areas and opportunities for further development of eDNA tools for plants, advancing our knowledge and understanding of the efficacy, utility, and cost-effectiveness, and ultimately facilitating increased adoption of eDNA analyses in botanical systems.

Automated summary

Environmental DNA (eDNA) has gained popularity as a tool for biodiversity detection, measurement, and monitoring, as well as understanding biological interaction networks and past patterns. Recently, eDNA applications in the botanical world have been realized, with focuses on aquatic, ancient, contemporary sediment, and airborne systems. This review discusses single-species and multispecies community metabarcoding approaches, as well as factors that influence the interpretation of airborne eDNA results. Further development of eDNA tools for plants is explored, aiming to advance knowledge, understanding, and adoption of eDNA analyses in botanical systems.