Location: Crop Germplasm Research
Project Number: 3091-21000-046-015-S
Project Type: Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Sep 5, 2025
End Date: Aug 31, 2027
Objective:
The objective of this project is to further develop database resources for pecan. As a long-lived perennial crop, most custom plant breeding databases have a core structure that is incompatible with pecan propagation processes. A custom database for pecan was initially funded during a 2016-2021 SCRI grant and development was continued in collaboration with Texas A&M AgriLife. The database contains a wealth of phenotypic data, provenance information, historical records, and photographs for each tree in the USDA National Plant Germplasm System and USDA Pecan Breeding Program. Continued development of the database is needed for three main areas: 1) Transition from locally-hosted SQL database to cloud-hosted (allowing for orchard-based web access); 2) Expand hosted data to include DNA sequencing information, UAV/LIDAR images, and preserved plant collections; and 3) Expand historical data acquisition to better extract data from historical handwritten records for inclusion in the database.
Approach:
The database architecture utilizes Microsoft SQL Server, adhering to secure, standardized protocols for connections and data formatting. A series of Excel spreadsheets are integrated into the database through bespoke SQL stored procedures. API development follows Microsoft .NET conventions, granting access to both public and privileged data with appropriate restrictions. A web-based user interface, designed in C# and built on the .NET framework, enables data browsing, upload, and download with authenticated and authorized access. Additional tools may be introduced to enhance data visualization, analytics, and OCR text recognition. GRIN-Global data export will be supported via SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) or through an API, if available.