GrainGenes

GrainGenes provides a curated database of molecular and phenotypic data for Triticeae species (wheat, barley, rye) and Avena (oat) to support genetic mapping and crop improvement.

Key Features:

• QTL, genes and genetic maps: Contains repositories of quantitative trait loci (QTL), genes, and genetic maps for Triticeae and Avena.
• Oat trait datasets: Includes trait-specific data for oats covering groat percentage, test weight, protein content, fat levels, and β-glucan content.
• Comparative mapping (CMap): Employs CMap for comparative mapping using highly populated consensus maps to increase marker density around genes of interest.
• Genome browsers: Supports over 50 genome browsers for access to genomic data across multiple species.
• Community curation and curated tracks: Hosts community curation including manually curated tracks that highlight markers identified by Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) and cloned alleles such as cellulose synthase-like AsClF6.
• Integration of molecular and phenotypic information: Integrates historical molecular and phenotypic data to inform trait analyses related to quality, yield, and disease resistance.

Scientific Applications:

• Genetic mapping in oat and Triticeae: Supports mapping of genes and QTL associated with agronomic traits in oat and other small grains.
• Breeding support: Facilitates breeding programs targeting quality, yield, and disease resistance by providing mapped markers and trait data.
• GWAS interpretation and allele validation: Enables comparison and interpretation of GWAS-identified markers and validation of cloned alleles such as AsClF6.
• Comparative genomics: Enables comparative mapping across species using consensus maps to increase marker resolution around loci of interest.

Methodology:

Uses CMap comparative mapping with highly populated consensus maps to increase marker density; maintains support for over 50 genome browsers; includes manual curation of tracks highlighting GWAS markers and cloned alleles (e.g., cellulose synthase-like AsClF6).