Using the GRIN-Global System to Identify Useful Plant Genetic Resources and Information.

The GRIN-Global (GG) Information Management System has been developed to provide the world’s crop genebanks and plant genetic resource (PGR) users with a powerful, flexible, easy-to-use PGR information management system. Developed jointly by the USDA Agricultural Research Service, Bioversity International and the Global Crop Diversity Trust to serve as a new, scalable version of the Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN), the GG System will help safeguard PGR and information vital to global food security, and encourage PGR use. System components include the Curator & Search tool, Administrator Tool, Import Wizard, Middle Tier, Updater Application, and the public user interface. The GG System was released for international deployment in late 2011 and is currently undergoing gap analysis for purpose and acceptance by National Plant Germplasm System users. The public user interface will be demonstrated, essential features and search capabilities discussed, and user input sought in order to provide features and functionality of the new interface.