With the large amount of molecular data generated through the commissioned research of the Generation Challenge Program (GCP), it becomes imperative to provide tools to the researchers to store, organize and analyze the data and thus support decisions by stakeholders. Integrating molecular and phenotypic data is a step towards novel gene discovery for the development of new crop varieties with better adaptation to biotic and a biotic stresses and improved yield capacities.

Objectives:

• Integrated environment for Genomic LIMS, GeMS and Storage Management

• Output for immediate use in different analysis programs (Darwin, NTSYS, Tassel, Structure, PopGen, Arlequin)

• Effective capture, storage and documentation of laboratory protocols, procedures, practices and output data (Genomic LIMS)

• Storage and management of molecular marker data in readily useable formats (GeMS)

• Integration of molecular data with information on genealogy (ICIS-GMS), phenotype (ICIS-DMS) and geography (ICIS-GIS)

• Creation of a searchable WEB based user friendly interface to enhance allele mining

• User-friendly program for storing and managing laboratory procedures and molecular marker data in an uniform format for easy exchange of information

Laboratory Management System (LIMS) at ICARDA:

The International Centre for Agricultural Research in Dry Areas (ICARDA) is one of the leading centre among the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) that has taken the bull by the horn by the development of a user friendly Laboratory Management System specifically to target the protocol, processes and materials in a Molecular Laboratory setting, thanks to the support of the Generation Challenge Program on “Cultivating Plant Diversity for the Resource poor”

The software includes:

1. Storage management modules (for materials used in the laboratory)

 

2. Laboratory Information Management Modules

i. Germplasm

ii. DNA Protocols, extractions, dilutions, quantification

iii. PCR machines, programs, mixes, & tracking

iv. Plates Management, Electrophoresis

v. Security System

3. Genomic Management Modules (Windows and WEB applications)

i. Project monitoring

ii. Stock monitoring

iii. Gel & Electrophoresis images

iv. Genotypic data

Genomic Management Systems (GeMS) at ICARDA:

The GeMS seamlessly integrates with the LIMS and indeed the lines between the two is very thin because the information collected and managed by the LIMS is what the GEMS exposes at three different levels, first at the level of an administrator of the database, then at the level of a particular technician/researcher in the laboratory generating the information and lastly at the level of a guest that may only browse the information in the database for information. This user may have read only access to the information contained in the database.

Information could be searched based on exposed list of criteria which includes the list under LIMS above.

GLIMS & GeMS Brochure

Introduction

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System Specification

User Manual