A relational database for agronomic and genealogical sugarcane data: An adaptable prototype

A comprehensive relational database has been created at the USDA-ARS Canal Point Sugarcane Field Station to facilitate the entry and retrieval of data for the breeding program using Microsoft Access 2000, This software is rea dily available and easily adaptable to a wide variety of breeding programs. A relational database provides an efficient and powerful way to store, ret rieve, manipulate, query, and report data in a multiuser environment. Data entry is performed through a series of self-explanatory forms. Once entered , data ran be accessed and queried through a local area network (LAN), Data from the seedling stage (true seed planting), Stage I and Stage II (the fi rst two clonally propagated selection stages at Canal Point), and Stage IV (the final selection stage before cultivar release) of the breeding program have currently been included in the database. The database also includes t he Canal Point clonal collection inventory, crossing information, seed (fuz z) inventory, and pedigree tracking. Future plans include incorporation of data from Stage III (the next to last clonally propagated selection stage), pathology data, and access through the Canal Point Internet web site (www. canalpoint.sugarcane.usda.gov).