Searchable database on performance results of underutilised genetic resources - DIVERSIFOOD Project

Summary

The DIVERSIFOOD database aims to provide an information basis on performances of genetic resources, as well as to stimulate participatory crop evaluation experiences. The primary target audience is existing or novel multi-actor networks/communities, involving farmers, breeders, researchers, processors and citizens, engaged, or willing to engage, with underutilised crop genetic resources.
The DIVERSIFOOD database enables an interactive, analytic exploration of genetic resources performances in different trials, each with its pedo-climatic and socio-economic context and its objectives and resources, as resulting from a participatory multi-actor approach. In this database it is possible to build and/or substantiate with evidence narratives about reintroduction and increase of crop genetic and species diversity, identify useful genetic resources, get in contact with teams having undertaken specific trials.
The database is currently a proof-of-concept including 16 integrated datasets from 55 individual experiments (one experiment = one location in one crop season) and conveys performance information on approximately 250 accessions, with more datasets currently in the pipeline that will be completed and integrated soon. As such, this tool is open to improvements and to host new datasets from past, current or future experiences. We hope to see it developing in a common resource to enable communities engaged in testing and using a diversity of plant genetic resources to collect, share, and base their decisional processes on, structured evidence.
The present document is divided in three sections: (i) an introductory chapter including the rationale and basic, logical features of the database, as well as an outline of trials results; (ii) a visual guide to use and navigate the database, which is downloadable as an excel file from the DIVERSIFOOD.eu website; (iii) a series of 19 factsheets about as many trials experiences on nine crop species, where more details about rationales, methods, participatory processes and results can be found.