Genome Database for Vaccinium: a knowledgebase for genetics, genomics, and breeding research

The Genome Database for Vaccinium (GDV, https://www.vaccinium.org/) is a knowledgebase serving the global Vaccinium research community. GDV centralizes genetics, genomics, and breeding data for blueberry, cranberry, bilberry, and lingonberry. Launched in 2011, GDV transforms research data into an integrated resource through data curation, standardization, and value-added analyses that enable cross-study comparisons and knowledge synthesis. GDV houses diverse data types including germplasm records, genetic markers, linkage maps, QTL/GWAS results, traits, genome assemblies, gene annotations, and expression profiles. The database team perform comprehensive analyses including homology searches against protein databases, InterPro domain identification, and synteny analyses between Vaccinium genomes to identify orthologous relationships. These analyses facilitate knowledge transfer within and between species, enabling researchers to leverage findings across the Vaccinium genus. Users access data through intuitive search interfaces and specialized tools for genetic map visualization, genome browsing, metabolic pathway exploration, and sequence similarity searches. The integrated Breeding Information Management System (BIMS) enables breeders to manage private breeding programs as well as accessing public breeding data. Currently containing 46 genome assemblies, over 287,000 genetic markers, 4,328 QTL, and 3.3 million gene models, GDV continues expanding through collaborations with the VacCAP project and international research groups. The database evolves based on community needs and emerging data types, ensuring its continued relevance for advancing Vaccinium research and crop improvement efforts worldwide.