A new online tool has been developed to assist global researchers in identifying, detecting, and monitoring Phytophthora species, which are known to cause significant plant diseases such as those linked to the Irish potato famine and sudden oak death. This innovative resource features a “tree of life” that integrates information on over 192 recognized Phytophthora species, including their genetic sequences, evolutionary history, host plants, and geographical distributions. It was created using the Tree-Based Alignment Selector (T-BAS) toolkit, designed by NC State University’s Jean Ristaino. The tool enables real-time updates for disease surveillance, essential for preventing outbreaks by identifying emerging threats. Since 2000, about 150 new Phytophthora species have been identified, posing risks to diverse crops and ornamental plants. Researchers can utilize the database to track species evolution and distribution, enhancing collaborative monitoring efforts. Ristaino emphasizes the importance of data sharing for improved pathogen tracking. The T-BAS Tool is accessible through NC State’s DeCIFR web portal, which focuses on research related to fungi’s roles in health systems. The initiative is supported by the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, with findings published in the journal PLOS ONE.
