Plant genome databases: from references to inference tools

Plant genome databases play an important role in the archiving and dissemination of data arising from the international genome projects. Recent developments in bioinformatics, such as new software tools, programming languages and standards, have produced better access across the Internet to the data held within them. An increasing emphasis is placed on data analysis and indeed many resources now provide tools allied to the databases, to aid in the analysis and interpretation of the data. However, a considerable wealth of information lies untapped by considering the databases as single entities and will only be exploited by linking them with a wide range of data sources. Data from research programs such as comparative mapping and germplasm studies may be used as tools, to gain additional knowledge but without additional experimentation. To date, the current plant genome databases are not yet linked comprehensively with each other or with these additional resources, although they are clearly moving toward this. Here, the current wealth of public plant genome databases is reviewed, together with an overview of initiatives underway to bind them to form a single plant genome infrastructure.