Minimum information about a biological collection

Plant Genetic Resources (PGR) are crucial for addressing challenges in global food systems by providing essential raw materials for developing nutritious, productive and resilient crops. Effective stewardship of PGR involves a comprehensive understanding of genetic diversity, population structure and crop–environment interactions. However, the complexity of PGR science, involving fields like genetics, molecular biology, plant breeding and data science, just to name a few, often leads to fragmented datasets with inconsistent data practices, limiting PGR’s potential for research and agricultural innovation.

High-quality, accessible and well-documented PGR data are essential for successful conservation and use. Adhering to FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable) in data management can enhance conservation efforts, support sustainable resource use and inform policies globally.

The PRO-GRACE Deliverable 1.4 captures essential data attributes to enhance PGR data documentation, accessibility and interoperability. It reviews the current data landscape, proposes minimum reporting guidelines, and discusses PGR data types, standards and best practices. It also highlights key opportunities, gaps, and challenges for PGR data management and use. It also proposes the ‘Minimum Information about a Plant Genetic Resource’ (MI-PGR) framework to harmonize data collection, annotation and reporting practices, facilitating better data accessibility and interoperability. It outlines current data gaps and challenges while recommending steps for MI-PGR’s implementation within future initiatives like GRACE-RI, ultimately aiming to transform fragmented datasets into actionable knowledge. By addressing these issues, the document seeks to bridge the gap between PGR conservation and utilization.

Deliverable 1.4 was led by IPK in collaboration with INRAE, UoB, UPV, WR, ENEA, IPGRI/ECPGR, PSR, GCDT, CSIC, CRI, JHI

For more information, download the Deliverable report