The maize genetics and genomics database. The community resource for access to diverse maize data

The Maize Genetics and Genomics Database ( MaizeGDB) serves the maize ( Zea mays) research community by making a wealth of genetics and genomics data available through an intuitive Web- based interface. The goals of the MaizeGDB project are 3- fold: to provide a central repository for public maize information; to present the data through the MaizeGDB Web site in a way that recapitulates biological relationships; and to provide an array of computational tools that address biological questions in an easy- to- use manner at the site. In addition to these primary tasks, MaizeGDB team members also serve the community of maize geneticists by lending technical support for community activities, including the annual Maize Genetics Conference and various workshops, teaching researchers to use both the MaizeGDB Web site and Community Curation Tools, and engaging in collaboration with individual research groups to make their unique data types available through MaizeGDB.