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.
- PI: Dr. Volker Brendel, vbrendel@iastate.edu
- Co-PI: Dr. Carol Lushbough, clushbou@usd.edu
- Co-PI: Dr. Carolyn Lawrence, triffid@iastate.edu
- PlantGDB Website & Database Manager: Dr. Jon Duvick, jduvick@iastate.edu
- PlantGDB Questions/Comments: plantgdb@iastate.edu
Thanks for visiting, and we look forward to hearing from you!

