Accurate identification of species is fundamental not only for disease management, but also for the implementation of regulatory measures to prevent pathogen spread. Given the swift increase in international trade, rapid responses based on accurate pathogen identification are critical for protecting agriculture and natural ecosystems from the spread of devastating diseases. One of the most challenging aspects of working with Phytophthora species is identifying them correctly; it requires extensive training and experience. Many diagnostic laboratories, both in the U.S. and around the world, lack this type of training and frequently will only identify unknown cultures to the genus level. This could inadvertently allow species of concern to slip through undetected. Species complexes make molecular identification of species and implementation of diagnostics systems very difficult. Furthermore, many DNA sequences from incorrectly identified Phytophthora specimens are available in public databases such as NCBI. Having sequences from the type specimens is essential for accurate molecular identification of species in the genus.

IDphy was developed to facilitate accurate and efficient identification to species for the genus, using the type specimens from the original descriptions wherever possible. IDphy is useful for scientists around the world, particularly those working in diagnostics and regulatory programs. IDphy emphasizes species of high economic impact and species of regulatory concern for the U.S.

Authors: Z. Gloria Abad, Treena Burgess, John C. Bienapfl, Amanda J. Redford, Michael Coffey, and Leandra Knight

Original source: This key is part of the complete IDPhy tool at https://idtools.org/id/phytophthora (requires internet connection). External links are provided in the fact sheets for convenience, but they also require an internet connection. The full IDphy website also includes SOPs and strategies to obtain a higher level of confidence in the molecular determination of unknown species, a tabular key; morphology and life cycle diagrams as well as growth, storage, and sporulation protocols; and a detailed glossary.

This Lucid Mobile key was developed in cooperation with the USDA APHIS Identification Technology Program (USDA-APHIS-ITP). Please visit https://idtools.org to learn more.

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