Android Apps for Plant Breeding and Genetics #phenoApps

Plant breeding and genetics research is an inherently data-driven enterprise. Typical experiments and breeding nurseries can contain thousands of unique entries and programs will often evaluate tens of thousands of plots each year. To operate efficiently on this scale, electronic data management becomes essential. Many research programs, however, continue to operate by scribing and transcribing massive amounts of data on paper field books. While effective, this form of data management places heavy burdens on human resources, decreases data integrity, and limits future utilization of data and the ability to expand the breeding program. To help address these constraints, we have developed Field Book, an open-source application for electronic data capture that runs on consumer-grade Android devices. We attempt to decrease both technological and cost barriers that hinder adoption of electronic data management in breeding programs by focusing on a simple, stand-alone application with an intuitive and customized interface. Integrating low-cost hardware into breeding programs will provide an inexpensive platform for additional apps to be developed and distributed, providing accessible solutions for breeding programs around the world. Transformational capacity in electronic data collection and management will be essential to realize a contemporary green revolution.