Background/context:

Rapid diagnosis of diseases is a key element in keeping diseases out of Australia, limiting the spread of diseases already present, and in the production of disease-free planting material. The development of appropriate pest and disease information databases and catalogues is essential for resolving quarantine and trade issues as well as for the diagnosis of plant diseases.

 Aim:

The overall aim of this project was to develop an information database that is capable of storing digital images, molecular sequence data and distribution maps, and to establish a repository of specimens (whether herbarium, cultures or DNA) from endemic and exotic tropical plant pathogens.

Major Outcomes:

The integrated Plant Pathology Database has been incorporated with the Australian Plant Disease Database (APD) and the Australian Plant Pest Database (APPD), a significant step to creating a virtual herbarium. Specimen-based records of most of the plant pathogens that occur in Australia can be accessed through these databases, online. Consolidation of cultures and specimens into a central repository has improved the quantity and quality of information available about specific plant pathogens, with improved access to records of plant diseases in northern Australia via local and national databases. The specimens held in the DPI Plant Pathology Herbarium and its associated databases are an important resource for resolving quarantine and trade issues as well as for the diagnosis of plant diseases. This resource also underpins the day-to-day management of endemic disease problems.

For more information contact:

Dr Roger Shivas
Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries
Phone: +61 (0)7 3877 9340
Email: Roger.Shivas@dpi.qld.gov.au