Guidelines and specifications for future databases for storing DUS/VCU and genetic data
In the context of the INVITE project, it is proposed to establish a database for the exchange of variety data at the European scale.
In a first step of this work, information and views regarding the priorities for variety data sharing and the conditions for successful data sharing have been collected from data providers (Examination offices and Post-Registration Offices) and data users. Furthermore, benchmarking on existing platforms for variety data sharing has been performed. In a next step, a prototype of such database will be developed. However, it is considered that the information gathered may also be useful for the establishment of databases built outside of the INVITE project.
The work conducted led to the recommendation to work on a data sharing prototype that concerns a use case that has so far been little explored, but which has a high potential value: the exchange of VCU/performance data. It has been proposed to focus on maize for this exercise, as it is a species for which there is greater overlap between countries in terms of varieties tested.
As we go forward, the IT team working on this database will first work with a Document Management System (DMS) solution for reasons of flexibility and ease of implementation, while for the database prototype to be developed later on, existing standards such as ICASA should be used.
The next steps of this task include populating the database with maize VCU data, historical data and other data generated during the project; as well as adding new features to the database.
You will find the full report about these activities on the European Commission’s website here.
For further details, please contact Fabien Masson (GEVES) fabien.masson@geves.fr or Thomas Gomez (AGDATAHUB) thomas.gomez@agdatahub.eu