ITP and the APHIS PPQ S&T Beltsville Lab are pleased to announce the release of IDphy: molecular and morphological identification of Phytopthora based on the types, ITP’s first pathogen tool. This website offers PPQ and its partners the most complete, valid, and up-to-date resource for identifying the culturable species of Phytophthora. IDphy includes detailed standard operating procedures for all steps involved in culturing, sequencing, and identifying suspect samples, covering both molecular and morphological methods. Some species of Phytophthora are devastating plant pathogens that have a significant impact on agriculture and natural ecosystems. Phytophthora are challenging organisms to identify, and it is not uncommon to find DNA sequences from misidentified specimens. IDphy was developed using the type specimens from the original descriptions wherever possible. This website aims to offer PPQ and its partners the most complete, valid, and up-to-date resource for identifying the species of Phytophthora that have been described as of May 2018.

IDphy includes a variety of resources to aid in accurate and efficient identification of suspect samples of Phytophthora species:

• detailed protocols for molecular identification
• voucher sequences from the types or other well-authenticated specimens
• filterable image gallery
• searchable fact sheets
• an interactive Lucid key
• a tabular key for quick reference
• background and life cycle/biology information