Strawberry has been extensively used as a model organism for functional genomics
of genes related with fungi infection (Amil-Ruiz et al, 2011) and fruit ripening,
specially fruit texture (Posé et al, 2011). These studies implied the genetic
transformation and subsequent characterization of a wide range of traits, resulting in
a considerable number of lines being created and more or less extensively studied.
A preliminary data survey was performed previous publications, laboratory notebooks
and project reports. Main categories and the relevant features (like cultivar,
transgene sequence, germplasm availability, plant phenotype, experiment results,
etc) were identified, establishing the appropriate relationships. The project followed
the Chado schema used by the GMOD initiative http://www.gmod.org.
The germplasm collection currently hosts two strawberry cultivar (Camarosa and
Chandler), nine transgenic lines with resistance genes against fungi infections and
over a dozen for fruit texture related genes. Collected information includes in vitro
and in planta leaf symptomatology and fungus spore germination, as well as gene
expression for each transgene, plant production, fruit color, shape and firmness.
Data on cell wall fractionation, pectin and soluble sugars quantification, FT-IR and
size exclusion chromatography, AFM pectin structure characterization and
Immunohistological analysis.
The intrinsic value of these studies makes necessary to preserve both the germplasm
and the data generated, and to make it available to the community for further study
and reuse. Community driven formats will facilitate the use of the data in new.
studies. The present project aims to increase the value of the transgenic strawberry
plants in the collection, using standard data formats and open source tools to
facilitate access to the research and breeding communities as well as to facilitate the
distribution of the germplasm.
