SeedQuest: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
SeedQuest is an agricultural analytics and breeding support platform built on the open SGN / Breedbase ecosystem and customized for SeedQuest workflows.
The platform is designed to help users organize field trials, breeding material, and agronomic observations in a structured and traceable way. SeedQuest is a decision-support system and does not replace professional judgment.
Q: I am new to SeedQuest. Where should I start?
A: Start by understanding the core concepts: accessions, trials, plots, and traits.
The fastest way is to read the official SGN / Breedbase manual and watch a short tutorial video.
Links are provided at the bottom of this page.
Q: Do I need to read everything before using the system?
A: No. You can start with a small test trial.
Learn by doing, but follow the recommended order:
create accessions -> create a trial -> assign plots -> record data.
Q: Is there a recommended workflow?
A: Yes. SeedQuest works best when data is added in a logical sequence.
Avoid creating trials or uploading data before accessions and traits are clearly defined.
Q: What is an accession?
A: An accession is a unique plant entry in the system.
It can represent a variety, hybrid, inbred line, population, or breeding material.
Each accession has a stable identifier and is reused across trials and years.
Q: What is the difference between an accession and a plot?
A: An accession is the genetic or material entity.
A plot is a physical instance of that accession in a specific trial, location, and season.
Q: Should I create new accessions every year?
A: No. Accessions should remain stable over time.
Year, location, and treatment belong to the trial and plot level, not the accession name.
Q: What are traits?
A: Traits are measured or observed characteristics (e.g. height, yield, score).
Traits should be clearly defined and reused consistently.
Q: How do I create a field trial?
A: First create accessions.
Then create a trial, define its design (blocks, replications, layout),
and assign accessions to plots.
Q: What types of trials can be managed?
A: Variety and hybrid trials, breeding nurseries,
agronomic factor trials, density trials,
and multi-location or multi-year experiments.
Q: What data can I record?
A: Phenotypic traits, agronomic notes, dates, scores,
yield and quality parameters, and linked files such as photos or documents.
Q: Can I upload data from Excel?
A: Yes. Use standard Breedbase / SeedQuest templates.
Always check column names, units, and trait definitions before upload.
Q: Does SeedQuest give recommendations?
A: No. SeedQuest organizes and analyzes data,
but decisions remain the responsibility of the user.
Q: Who is responsible for data quality?
A: Users are responsible for the accuracy,
completeness, and interpretation of all data entered into the system.
Q: Can SeedQuest outputs be used for official or regulatory reporting?
A: No. Outputs are analytical and informational
and should not replace certified reports or official documentation.
Q: Is SeedQuest based on Breedbase?
A: Yes. SeedQuest is built on the SGN / Breedbase platform
and adapted for SeedQuest-specific crops and workflows.
Q: Does SeedQuest support BrAPI?
A: The underlying platform supports BrAPI endpoints
where enabled and configured.
These materials describe the underlying system on which SeedQuest is based.
SeedQuest is built upon open scientific and technical foundations developed within the Sol Genomics Network (SGN) and the Breedbase ecosystem, with contributions from the Boyce Thompson Institute and collaborating institutions.
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