About PlantGDB

PlantGDB is an NSF-funded project to develop plant species-specific EST and GSS databases, to provide web-accessible tools and inter-species query capabilities, and to provide genome browsing and annotation capabilities.


Why PlantGDB?

Plant genome sequence data have been accumulating from three major sources: whole genome sequencing and assembly, genome survey sequencing, and expressed sequence tags (ESTs). This data flow will likely continue, with a focus on complete sequencing of "reference species" (Arabidopsis, rice, maize, Medicago truncatula), draft sequencing of other selected species, and further EST and full-length cDNA sequencing. Our project aids the organization and interpretation of these sequence data through integrated databases and analytical tools. Our goals include estimation and characterization of the plant gene space and the extent and conservation of alternative splicing in plants. These objectives will in part be pursued by further development of algorithms and statistical methods for splice site recognition and gene structure prediction. The project also includes further development of the "BioExtract Server" (http://www.bioextract.org/) which is meant to provide a distribution point for plant genome data stored in different local and external databases by offering flexible web-based query capabilities.

Outreach at PlantGDB

As a supplement to our PlantGDB grant, we have installed Plant Genome Research Outreach Portal (PGROP) to provide a centralized repository of various NSF-sponsored Plant Genome Research "outreach" programs and activities. The web site (http://www.plantgdb.org/PGROP/pgrop.php) lists a variety of resources organized by subject and type and provides entry forms for contributors to publish their programs. The intended user audience includes minorities, students with disabilities, undergraduates, high-school students and teachers; as well as the public at large. PGROP seeks to broaden participation of these user groups in plant genome research topics by making information on appropriate programs, materials, and guidance available.

Learn More:

The menu at left provides some useful links (also described below)

  • News - View recent and old PlantGDB announcements
  • Tour- A brief tour through PlantGDB.org
  • F.A.Q. - Frequently Asked Questions
  • Site Map - Heirarchical map of PlantGDB.org
  • Publications associated with PlantGDB
  • Links relevant to plant genomes and plant sequence data
  • Acknowledgments - Funding for PlantGDB

Get Help:

  • Help/Tutorials - Help Pages and Tutorials covering major PlantGDB resources and tools

How to Contact PlantGDB

The easiest way to contact us is with the Feedback link in the top menu area, accessible from ANY PlantGDB page. We will do our best to get back to you within 24 hours.

You can subscribe to the PlantGDB email newsletter using the "Subscribe" button in the top menu.

If you wish to contact one of the PI's or the PlantGDB website manager, their email addresses are listed below.

Thanks for visiting, and we look forward to hearing from you!

Latest News

Click below or view all news
Latest update: August 23, 2010


GenBank Release 179 (8-23)
GenBank Release 179.0 sequence data (close date 8-14-2010) are now being downloaded and parsed at PlantGDB. We expect the 179 version update, including updated PUT assemblies, to be complete by mid-September (August 23, 2010).
CpGAT reports exon origins (8-19)
The CpGAT* tool for automated, real-time gene structure annotation now reports the details of each exon origin (whether evidence ID, pasa assembly, or ab inito-derived) in the GFF3 output file. Access CpGAT from any PlantGDB genome browser.
*Comprehensive plant Gene Annotation Tool, release 1.05
Community Annotation Features (8-5)
We have updated the yrGATE tool and the CommunityCentral database for commmunity annotation. Changes include a more consistent annotation naming scheme, and easier to navigate annotation tables. PLEASE NOTE that if you have previously annotated genes, the ID has been changed; the former ID is now part of the Description field and can be retrieved using Search. The Community Annotation system is available for all genome browsers at PlantGDB.
New AcDs Tagging Data (8-3)
AcDs Tagging insertion data for maize have been updated to include redundancy information, confirmation data and southern blot and ipcr images. See example of a Ds Insertion Line

What's Coming?

Maize RefGen_v2 genome browser
The revised pseudomolecule assembly of maize inbred B73 (RefGen_V2) was released on March 5, 2010 by the Arizona Genomics Institute. We are busy running spliced-alignment to maize EST, cDNA, PUT, and related-species protein in anticipation of releasing a new version of ZmGDB (expected May, 2010)
Manihot esculenta (cassava) genome browser
The recently-released Manihot esculenta draft genome consists of 11,243 scaffolds spanning 416Mb. PlantGDB will release a cassava genome browser incorporating EST, cDNA, PUT and related-species protein alignments as well as published gene models (expected June, 2010).
Prunus persica (peach) genome browser
The recently-released Prunus persica draft genome consists of 8 pseudomolecules (scaffolds) and an additional 194 nonlinked scaffolds spanning 227.3 Mb. PlantGDB will release a peach genome browser incorporating EST, cDNA, PUT and related-species protein alignments as well as published gene models (expected June, 2010).

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