User:Parkavikumar/Algae Database

If we take the complete value chain of algae fuels, the first step is to select the right strain. Choosing a single strain out of 30,000 species is not an easy job. Choosing a single strain of algae includes isolation of algae, culturing in lab scale, screening and identifying the genus and species and so on. Knowing the importance of strain selection, I set out to research about the databases available for algae. I came across the following databases on algae:

•	The ANSP Algae Image Database – This database contains multiple images of diatoms and other algae. The images were made by ANSP Patrick Center Phycology Section staff as part of their routine analysis of algal samples. URL - http://diatom.acnatsci.org/AlgaeImage/

•	AlgaeBase - It is a database of information on terrestrial, marine and freshwater algae. At present, the data for the marine algae, particularly seaweeds, are the most complete. URL - www.algaebase.org

•	The Hawaiian Algal Database - It is a digital repository for Hawaiian algal samples. Users can make use of the online search tool to view and download specimen photographs and micrographs, DNA sequences and relevant habitat data, including geo-referenced collection locations. URL - http://algae.manoa.hawaii.edu webcite.

These databases can be effectively used for first level identification based on the morphology. I personally feel that there is no single database that is comprehensive enough for phycologists to make use of it.