MacLean Kohlmeier

A key output of the ILIG project was the development of a comprehensive online rhizobial strain collection catalogue and linked database for efficient distribution and supply of strains to commercial inoculant manufacturers, legume breeders and researchers. In 2021, Legume Rhizobium Sciences (LRS) in collaboration with Murdoch ITS engaged IT specialists Insight to design and build the ILIG online catalogue and linked database using Microsoft PowerApps. Murdoch University is hosting the ILIG online catalogue under the Food Futures Institute webpage. The ILIG online catalogue is comprised of three parts: 1) Dataverse - used to store all the data; 2) model-driven app (background database) - where strain records can be edited and managed by approved users; and 3) PowerApps portal (public-facing portal) - where external users can search a selection of the background data contained in the app. An Azure AD security group has been created for each component, which manages the users that have access to a particular component. Currently, there are only four access IDs in use for the background database (Helen Shortland-Jones, Jason Terpolilli, Graham O'Hara and Dinani Twite). Legume Rhizobium Sciences (LRS) staff members who require access to the model-driven app must obtain permission from the LRS Research Director or Director before requesting access via Murdoch University’s IT services. Data can be entered into the background database via bulk import from Excel or direct entry. The app’s Active Strains or Home page shows a browsable list of the strains contained in the catalogue. Clicking on an individual strain displays all the data held for that strain in its record, including the total number of ampoules available, the date(s) the strain was ampouled and the number of ampoules available per date. Queries can be run on the catalogue data using the Advanced Find function. Strain data can also be exported to Excel, including specific ampouling details for each strain, enabling up-to-date and accurate stocktake management of the ILIG. The public-facing portal can be searched by any external users without requiring access. There are multiple search options the user can enter. Using WSM4083 as an example, users could type in the rhizobial strain name (WSM4083), synonyms (MUR2268), bacteria name (Mesorhizobium ciceri), alternative taxonomy (Rhizobium ciceri), source location (Canary Islands), and host legume scientific (Bituminaria) and common names (Tedera). A search can be performed either with the entire term written in the search bar e.g. Mesorhizobium, Tedera; or by including * at the end of the shortened term e.g. Meso*, Ted*. Once a search term has been entered, the search shows all results with that term included. Clicking on the appropriate strain then takes the user to the strain details page. A subset of the data contained in the background database is available to the user. This includes rhizobial strain name, bacteria name, Australian inoculant group (if applicable), synonyms, alternative taxonomy (the most current taxon name under LSPN – List of Prokaryotic names with Standing in Nomenclature, accessed at https://lpsn.dsmz.de/genus), taxonomic authority, year collected, host legume scientific name, host legume common name, original site information, site details, source location, latitude, longitude and a map of the source location. If exact coordinates were recorded at the time of strain collection, they have been converted into decimal degrees and checked on Google Maps to ensure they are correct geographically. If users require further information or want to request a strain they can email ILIG@murdoch.edu.au. This mailbox is monitored by Helen Shortland-Jones and Jason Terpolilli.