Maize gene review - A new on-line journal promotes community curation of phenotypes

Abstract

The first formal phenotype summaries for maize can be found in early editions of theMaize Genetics Cooperation Newsletter (MNL). Prior to on-line databases, the MNLserved to systematize available mutant stocks, genetic maps, and addresses for maizegeneticists. In fact, the first phenotypic data entered into MaizeGDB, in 1991, was fromthe MNL stock center report. To support renewed, community submission of similardata, the MNL has initiated a new on-line journal, called the ‘maize gene review’ (MGR,www.maizegenereview.org). It represents an extension of the Mutants of Maize (1997),eds MG Neuffer, EH Coe, SR Wessler, where text summaries of individual mutantswere provided by experts in the field, often along with photographs. These weresubsequently incorporated into text descriptions and image files at MaizeGDB, withauthors credited. In the on-line journal MGR, each gene has a page, and an author(s),responsible for supplying a minimal set of information, and updating as new informationbecomes available. Reviewers familiar with the types of mutants described arerequested to provide criticism and updates, which are forwarded to the contributingauthor, as suggestions on updating their page(s). Reciprocal links are provided to theMaizeGDB for genome and map information and the short summary of each mutant isadded to the MaizeGDB locus record. This journal adds to the current communitycuration tools at MaizeGDB for community curation and has had an excellent response.<i>The MNL is supported by an endowment at the University of Missouri provided by the MaizeCooperators. MaizeGDB is a USDA Agricultural Research Service funded database where thepresenting author is a curator.</i>