One of the key advantages of using the BMS is that it facilitates the unique identification of germplasm and pedigree tracking. To start using the BMS, however, lists of current germplasm from your breeding program should be entered into the database. These lists are ideally imported with complete pedigrees. However, for this exercise, we will consider the simple import of existing lists without pedigrees.
Once germplasm are imported into the database it is often necessary to make lists of germplasm for different purposes such as planting, shipment and testing. These germplasm lists are created by selecting entries from previous lists and adding the imported lines. Other new lists are made from harvest actions from nurseries and trials.

Objectives

At the end of this chapter, the user should be able to:

1. Complete a template with germplasm names to be imported.

2. Import germplasm into the database from a template (without pedigrees).

3. Add inventory for imported germplasm

4. Select lines from an existing list and add them to a new list of germplasm.

 

Importing a list of germplasm from a template file.

Creating a basic germplasm list in Excel
Lists of germplasm can be entered into the system using an excel file. This file must follow a specific format so a template has been provided. Users with appropriate permission will see the action Import Germplasm on the GERMPLASM main menu. If you click on this item you will see that you can download a template (red box):

Each template has three sheets, a description sheet where some meta-data can be added, and which describes the columns on the observation sheet where the germplasm details are supplied. There is also a Codes sheet where some metadata codes are available.
Use Excel to modify the germplasm import template and create a file with the following format and minimum content:
a) the Description sheet should look like this (some details filled in rows 1 to 4). The first row, cell B1 contains a name that will be given to the list. You should customize this by entering <Your initials>GI21. You should prefix with your initials because list names must be unique and if several students in the same program use the same name there will be a clash.

b) The Observation sheet should look like this (minimum requirement – entry no and name):

Create a file exactly as shown in the image above and save it as BMSGI20.xls

To save typing you may be able to copy the names from the above table.

Importing the list. Once the template is completed open the Import Germplasm form from the GERMPLASM menu.
Click Browse and search for the completed template.

Browse to the location where you stored the completed template file CGMGI21.xls. Click 'Open'.

Once you have selected the file, click Open.
A message appears indicating a successful upload. Click 'Next'.
The Specify the Germplasm Details form appears. This form allows you to specify some information which will be applied to all the unknown entries in the list.