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3. Database

Wheat Database as Part of the U. S. Department of Agriculture's Plant Genome Initiative

The United States Department of Agriculture's Plant Genome Initiative Program includes support for the establishment of plant database at the National Agricultural Library in Washington, D. C. The database will be publically accessible via telephone and network connections, and will eventually be distributable on CD-ROM. The database is currently being prototyped using five plants as models in the design phase.

The five include three crops (maize, soybeans, and wheat) plus pine trees and the laboratory model plant Arabidopsis. Types of data in the databases include genetic maps, loci, probes,
germplasm and connections among the different data types. Data for each of the five plants is being examined to determine what specific data needs may exist for different plants and the specific interested scientific plant communities. At a latter date the five individual databases will be merged into the master d along with all other plant data. It is planned to be settle on wheat prototype design by May, 1992, with a version of the database running for evaluation by September, 1992.

The wheat database prototype is being set up at the USDA's Western Regional Research Center, Albany, California, and is being coordinated by Dr. Olin D. Anderson. The database is being designed and implemented in association with the Computing Science Group at the Lowrence Berkeley Laboratory. In addition to the computer database, a repository for the storage and distribution of clones, probes, and libraries will be established, and some technical resources research carried out to contribute to genome mapping of Triticeae.

It is the intent of the program to solicit as much international coordination and cooperation as possible to maximize both the amounts of useful information gathered, and the most useful presentation and accessibility possible for cereal researchers. Dr. Anderson is cooperating with the International Triticeae Mapping Initiative (ITMI) organization in the database design and information assembly. Although there is currently support for establishment of the wheat database, coodination and cooperation in data assembly will be critical to the project's success and maintenance of the database once established. Any individuals, departments, groups, etc., wishing more information on wheat database, and especially those able to contribute information and/or ability to participate in the data assembly and maintenance are urged to contact:

Dr. Olin Anderson
ARS, USDA, WRRC
800 Buchanan Street
Albany, CA, 94710
U. S. A.
Tel: 510-559-5773
FAX: 510-559-5777

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