Using a desktop database management system (DBMS), a relational database sy
stem was developed to replace outdated systems for data storage, retrieval
and summary in a potato breeding research program. The new system allows fo
r easy and efficient access, storage and interrelation of potato data, and
automated reporting functions to support presentation and analysis requirem
ents of the research program. DBMS tools and programmed functions provide s
ummary information pertaining to such areas as potato plant genealogy and p
rogeny performance in early selection, regional adaptation and disease resi
stance trials. Database structures have been implemented to facilitate the
collection and verification of new data, interface to a hand-held data coll
ection computer, and transfer report data and charts to standard word proce
ssing and presentation software. The concepts and techniques used in the co
nstruction of this database system can be applied to other potato and plant
breeding programs.