PhilRice Genebank: recent developments in managing and sharing the Philippine rice germplasm

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Date
2020
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Publisher
IAARD Press
Abstract
The Genetic Resources Division (GRD) of PhilRice collects and conserves rice genetic resources to ensure the future generations of available seeds needed to build better rice plants in facing climate change and growing population. At present, GRD maintains the national collection of rice genetic resources with 7,129 accessions. To effectively manage the germplasm collection, the search for, development of, and implementation of the best conservation strategies and innovation in technology have been the utmost priority of the GRD. Thus, georeference data such as latitude, longitude and elevation of germplasm origin during collecting mission were recorded using a handheld global positioning system (GPS) receiver. The e-Seedfile software was developed to provide virtual access of the reference collection for regenerated germplasm seed verification and valid type confirmation for new and old germplasm collection. Barcoding, on the other hand, facilitated accurate inventory of seed stocks, making the distribution and regeneration of germplasm more efficient. Moreover, paperless data collection using android application was implemented for immediate data validation and accurate data downloading from tablets to workstations, making it an ideal tool for germplasm characterization. Furthermore, the current database system was upgraded and adjusted to adopt the use of digital object identifier (DOI) through registration to the global information system (GLIS) on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (PGRFA). The DOI allows the use of material to be tracked, thus meeting the legal obligations of the SMTA and monitor the impact of genebank collections in utilization in research and breeding programs. These innovative technologies are of great importance to expand the toolbox for the management and conservation of the germplasm collection that will help enhance the longterm conservation of rice diversity and easy access to germplasm and germplasm-related information.
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Keywords
barcoding, characterization, DOI, e-seedfile, GPS, rice.
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