The Q-bank Nematodes database contains DNA barcodes (sequences), morphological, phenotypical and ecological data of quarantine nematodes and their close relatives. Currently, this database focuses on nematode species that are regulated in the European Union and are listed as A1/A2 organisms by the European Plant Protection Organization (EPPO).
The Q-bank Nematodes database comprises ecological, morphological, physiological and sequence data from specimen of properly documented type material or reference populations of quarantine plant parasitic nematodes species and their close relatives. This information is in support of an accurate identification of nematodes by plant protection organizations, inspection bodies and private laboratories.
The main focus of Q-bank Nematodes is on European quarantine nematodes and other economically important plant-parasitic nematodes. For accurate distinction of regulated from non-regulated nematode species, descriptions and sequence data of the latter are important. For nematode species which are listed as A1/A2 organism, relevant EPPO documents such as diagnostic standard or distribution maps, can be downloaded using hyperlinks provided in the Q-bank database or directly from www.eppo.org.
The Q-Bank database is continuously updated by a team of curators with connections to relevant physical, phytosanitary collections (e.g. FERA, JKI, ACW and PPS Wageningen). Following a thorough quality control, sequences obtained from specimen belonging to reference populations or type material are deposited in the database. Using a single BLAST or polyphasic search, sequences generated by using the QBOL barcoding standard protocol can be used for identification of an unknown nematode species. In addition, information on the availability of supplemental material such as permanent slides in collections or living material from reference populations is provided. Information on the availability can be obtained by contacting the curator named in the appropriate field of the datasheet.
How to use barcoding for identification of quarantine nematodes?
Detailed protocols for the DNA isolation and PCR amplification of the genera are included on this website, as well as a flow diagram showing the workflow for the identification of specific quarantine species included in the database.
The information in this database was compiled by the Q-bank curators to the best of their knowledge. If you have questions or you want to contribute data to the database please contact us.
Updates Nematodes database:
- More than 1600 sequences are now in the database!