Solgenomics.net: A Platform for Genome Assisted Breeding

One of the major challenges of the post-genomic world is the efficient application of genomic information to solve practical problems such as the improvement of breeding processes. The Solanaceae Genomics Network (SGN) (http://solgenomics.net/) is a clade oriented genome and phenome database for species such as the recently sequenced tomato and potato, and will cover the species of the SOL-100 project for which the high quality tomato sequence will serve as a reference. The incorporation of genotypic and phenotypic information in the database enabled tools that link phenotypes to genotypes, and therefore functionality that can inform the breeding process. Currently implemented in the platform are extensive web-based phenotype and trait data management tools, pedigree data tools, and the solQTL tool, which uses QTL analysis to link genome regions to traits of interest. Data export functions for data formats compatible with major association genetics software are also available. Under development are features that accommodate new breeding paradigms such as Genomic Selection, and simple interfaces for the management of breeding programs. The software can be applied to any other species or clade and is available in an open source format.