The database of PCR primers for phytopathogenic fungi

We present the first on-line searchable database of primer sets useful for the detection of plant pathogenic fungi. This web resource is implemented entirely with open-source software (PHP, MySQL). Primer set details can be retrieved by organism name, primer name, nucleotide sequence comparison, target DNA, PCR technique, author name, journal and year of publication. Each record is linked directly to other reference databases to allow easy access to the correct nomenclature, taxonomical position and anamorph/teleomorph connections of the pathogen, GenBank-deposited source sequences of the primer sets and reference contents. The database is open to user contributions and can be consulted at http://www.sppadbase.com. While currently devoted to fungal organisms, in a future perspective the database may host primer sets specific to other phytopathogens, such as viruses or bacteria, including microbial herbicides and biological agents relevant in agroterrorism.