Enabling Technologies

Enabling technologies, or tools for biological discovery, are key to the success of plant science research. Databases, sequencing methods, and data analysis software are just a few of the useful aids designed to increase the efficiency of research techniques.

The following BTI laboratories work to develop and improve enabling technologies:

• Gary Blissard
• Zhangjun Fei
• Lukas Mueller
• Frank Schroeder
• Joyce Van Eck

BTI held workshops to enable researchers in Africa to plan how to share results from field trials into a shared database.

Projects

Boyce Thompson Institute (BTI) scientists have initiated projects that promote collaboration between labs and institutions, both within BTI, nationwide, and internationally.

• Researchers who use Nicotiana benthamiana as a study plant can share resources using the Nicotiana benthamiana site.
• The Cassavabase Project website supports the NextGen Cassava Project, which is organizing data from field trials in Africa to improve breeding of cassava in Africa.
• BTI has a leadership role in the Decadal Vision to promote the importance of plant science, nationwide, and the research education system, and, again, promote communication among significant stakeholders.
• Sol Genomics is a site for genome data of Solanaceae species such as tomato, potato, and pepper.