The iPhyClassifier, an Interactive Online Tool for Phytoplasma Classification and Taxonomic Assignment

The i PhyClassifier is an internet-based research tool for quick identification and classification of diverse phytoplasmas. The i PhyClassifier simulates laboratory restriction enzyme digestions and subsequent gel electrophoresis and generates virtual restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) patterns. Based on RFLP pattern similarity coefficient scores, the i PhyClassifier gives instant suggestions on group and subgroup classification status of the phytoplasma strains under study. The i PhyClassifier also aligns the query sequences with that of reference strains of all previously described ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma’ species, �calculates sequence similarity scores, and assigns the phytoplasmas under study into respective ‘Ca . Phytoplasma’ species as related strains according to the guidelines set forth by the Phytoplasma Taxonomy Group of the International Research Program on Comparative Mycoplasmology. Additional functions of the i PhyClassifier include delineation of potentially new phytoplasma groups and subgroups as well as new ‘Ca . Phytoplasma’ species. This chapter describes the program components, the operational procedure, and the underlying principles of the i PhyClassifier operation. The chapter also provides hints on how to interpret the results.