Trait Ontology

Gramene is also a repository for rice functional mutations and quantitative trait loci (QTL) curated from the literature. For each mutation the genetic linkage data, phenotype, affected strains, gene sequence and protein product and images are maintained when available. In order to realize the full potential of this rich source of phenotypic information, Gramene curators, in collaboration with IRRI (rice), ICIS (representing several crops), MaizeDB (maize) and CIMMYT (maize and wheat), have put intensive efforts into the development of structured controlled vocabularies for traits, viz., Trait Ontology (TO). The trait ontology (TO) is initially based on Standard Evaluation System for Rice (1996) and provides the terms that describe a trait as a distinguishable feature, characteristic, quality of character, or a phenotypic feature of a developing or mature individual.  As it evolves, the TO will provide the basis for distributed curation of phenotypic data associated with mutants and QTL in rice and other monocots.

The specific goal of Gramene will be to provide a trait ontology that can be used across the grasses to facilitate phenotypic comparisons both within and between genera and the common vocabulary will encourage and enable interoperability between plant databases. Each assertion of putative phenotypic homology will be supported by Evidence Codes, that describes the basis for the assertion. Use of controlled vocabularies will be increasingly important to systematically describe the phenotypic consequences of both artificial and natural forms of genetic variation.

Any suggestions for the addition, replacement or modification of the TO can be made via a web submission form.
 

Links to flat files

The flat files for the trait ontology (TO)  and definitions can be downloaded from the following sites and can be browsed by using the stand-alone browser

Trait ontology terms    CVS

Definitions of Trait Ontology terms    CVS

Ontology Search Engine

Type in ID or keyword to search for.