BMS (IV.) - Enterprise Solution for Public Breeding Programmes: ICRISAT Case Study

Need of strong data management software is key to support modern breeding programs and to optimize breeding pipeline to realize genetic gains. ICRISAT consistently explored various breeding data management software solutions to support ICRISAT breeding programs. We explored various non-commercial/commercial/open-source software solutions and after working together with ICRISAT breeders from different locations (Asia, ESA & WCA) and collaborating NARS, ICRISAT adopted Breeding Management System (BMS) of Integrated Breeding Platform (IBP) as its primary data management system. BMS deployment in ICRISAT started a couple of years ago. It evolved from stand-alone system, then over LAN/WAN through virtual-machines and now with release of BMS V4, we have migrated to a pure cloud solution which is accessible across locations and continents.

BMS V4 helped ICRISAT in establishing Global Crop Database (GCD) with common metadata standards and crop ontologies across all breeding programs at different locations. BMS V4 accepts data templates of various popular electronic field book software which eliminated need of recording data by paper and pencil. GCD ensures that a breeding line/cross will have unique ID across locations, programs and hosted partners. This ID can be used for DNA sample tracking or linking BMS with various other BrAPI compliance data solutions, such as Genomic Open Breeding and Informatics Initiative (GOBII).

In this implementation ICRISAT has also brought onboard select NARS across Africa and Asia. Several projects partners including two mega-project (TL-III and HOPE-2) have been provided access to ICRISAT data cloud and capacities of partnering NARS are being developed for using BMS.