- Basic Details
- Settings
- Germplasm
- Environments
- Generate Experimental Design
- Define Measurements
- Advance Trial
- Related Tutorials with Sample Data
Basic Details
Name & Description
Trial name and description are required before a trial can be saved.
Template
Check the box to 'Use a previously created trial as a template'. Choose any previously created trial from the directory.
Settings, Environments, and Traits from the previously created trial now populate the new trial.
Save
Select Save and specify the file directory where the trial will be stored in the database.
Settings
Trial Settings
Meta-data about the trial can be entered in trial settings. Some setting have pull-down menu options and others allow for free text entry. Some settings are user and program details and others are defined in the crop ontology.
Selection
The option to add within plot selection units is also available. For example, a maize breeder may want to select ears from high yielding trial plots for eventual seed increase. See more on advancing trial germplasm.
Add
Select Add to select trial settings and selections. Settings and selection units can be established or modified using the ontology manager.
Remove
Remove settings and selections. by checking the box and selecting Remove.
Germplasm
Browse for and upload germplasm list.
Environments
Multiple environments can be specified for a trial (locations and/or seasons). Select Add to select environment details and trial conditions from the crop ontology. New details can be added or modified using the ontology manager. If favorite locations have been specified, checking the Show Favorite Location box will narrow the location options to those relevant to your breeding program.
Select Manage Location to customize the programs favorite location list. Depending on user permissions, the Add a New Location button may or may not be available to you. (See more on permissions and location management under Manage Program Settings.)
Generate Experimental Design
The BMS supports the randomization of 4 experimental designs. After design parameters, like number of replications, are specified, the randomized trial can be generated.
- Randomized Complete Block
- Resolvable Incomplete Block
- Row-and-Column
- Augmented Randomized Block
Import Experimental Design
After specifying the trial germplasm, import a custom trial design file (.csv). Randomizations created outside of the BMS may not be supported by BMS statistical analyzes, but users have the flexibility to use external statistics applications if desired. Any independent variable defined in the ontology can be added to the trial design file.
Mandatory Column Headings
- TRIAL_INSTANCE: Number corresponding to specific trial environments, like a particular location or season.
- ENTRY_NO: Number corresponding to specific germplasm. The number of entries in the trial design file must equal the number of entries in the trial germplasm list.
- REP_NO: Replication number
- PLOT_NO: Plot number
Select Import an Experimental Design and specify the design file.
Example Design File: Trial Design (.csv)
Ontology terms in the design file that are identical to the ontology will map perfectly. If the column headers are spelled differently, the system will attempt to map to match the existing ontology. You may be required to Re-map and/or add new ontology terms to achieve correct mapping.
Review imported design details and select Finish.
Define Measurements
Once the experimental design has been generated or imported, the Measurements tab is populated with independent trial variables. Select the Add button to specify traits to measure, or the dependent variables.
Type a word or part of a word that describes the trait that will be measured. If the desired trait cannot be found, the new trait must be added to the crop ontology.
Once selected the trait of interest will appear as an empty column of data in the measurements table.
Once saved, the trial is available for many other activities.
- Export Trial Book (Same as described in Nurseries.)
- Make Field Map
- View Field Map
- Create Labels
- Import Measurements (Same as described in Nurseries.)
- Save Trial
- Delete Trial
- Close Trial
- Add Environments
- Export Germplasm List
Export Data Collection File
Same as described in Nurseries.
Import Data Collection File with Measurments
Same as described in Nurseries.
Advance Trial
Advance inventory from trial germplasm.
- Select Advance Trials from the Actions menu.
- Specify the trial locations to advance.
- Select the breeding method. Either choose a selection unit or the number of lines per plot. Select Finish.
- Review the advances lines and Finish.
- Save the advance list of germplasm.
