SeedLinked provides a software testing application to crowdsource variety performance in the field. This software, originally developed by Dr Jacob Van Etten and his colleagues at Bioversity, provides a means to shift variety performance testing towards a more inclusive and transparent research model.
Moving beyond the constraints of typical research station based variety testing and protocol, participatory variety performance using SeedLinked software is adapted to work well with what growers are able to observe. Our testing functionalities and statistical methods are designed to work well while providing valuable data from grower groups, independent plant breeders, universities, or nonprofit organizations.
Our participatory variety testing software works like this: 3 varieties are randomly assigned to each Observer. Once seeds are shipped to participating Observers, the variety will appear in their SeedLinked dashboard allowing them to record their data. Observers are able to record dates such as planting, flowering, and first harvest observations, in addition to a simple “worst” and “best” ranking system for the trait of interest. SeedLinked Observer data is validated through Tricot statistical analysis. Using SeedLinked’s user friendly network capabilities and simple observation recording functionalities makes participatory testing easier.
Design
- Write project details: goals, traits, etc.
- Describe varieties
- Select targeted testing region
- Submit project to network to invite observers
- Randomization
- Packaging/shipping list
- Seed distribution
- Submit to observer dashboard
- Webinar(s)
Logistics
Logistics
- Randomization
- Packaging/shipping list
- Seed distribution
- Submit to observer dashboard
- Webinar(s)
Management
- Data tracking
- Send reminder(s)
- Communicate with observer(s)
- Automated data quality processing
- Data analysis
- Submit results to observer(s) and breeder(s)
- Add new data to network
Analysis
Analysis
- Automated data quality processing
- Data analysis
- Submit results to observer(s) and breeder(s)
- Add new data to network
