Progress on the Integrated Breeding Workflow System

The Integrated Breeding Platform (IBP) of the CGIAR Generation Challenge Programme (GCP) provides information, analytical tools and related services to plant breeders to design and conduct modern breeding programs. It is intended to boost crop productivity for smallholders in drought-prone environments. The IBP is accessed through the Integrated Breeding Portal and is being developed in collaboration with 14 initial ‘user cases’ – breeding projects for eight crops in 32 developing countries. This ensures IBP development is driven by breeder needs.

IBP informatics tools are packaged into the Integrated Breeding Workflow System (IBWS). The first integrated version of the IBWS was released in June 2013 and this facilitates information management by following breeders’ workflows. Pedigree, phenotype and genotype data are stored in a modular database and data management and analytical tools access data via a middleware layer. A new phenotyping database module based on the CHADO Natural Diversity Module has been implemented.

The statistical analysis pipeline based on the Genstat statistical engine is imbedded in the workflow and a series of breeders’ cross-study queries are being developed to facilitate choice of germplasm for inclusion in a breeding program and for promotion to cultivars. The Molecular Breeding Decision Tool facilitates marker aided selection and marker assisted backcrossing and OptiMAS optimizes crossing programs to accumulate favorable alleles in a recurrent selection population.