Harmonization and Integration of Azerbaijan National GeneBank Passport Data into Genesys

The conservation and effective management of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture (PGRFA) depend not only on the maintenance of biological material but also on the availability of reliable and standardized information associated with individual accessions. Genebanks maintain passport data that support the identification, management, exchange, and utilization of conserved genetic resources. However, differences in database structures, terminology, and data formats can limit the interoperability and international exchange of such information. In Azerbaijan, passport information for plant genetic resources is maintained in the Central Database (CDB) of the Azerbaijan National Genebank. This study describes the preparation and harmonization of National Genebank passport data for integration into the Genesys PGR platform. The process included review and refinement of existing passport records, standardization of field content and formats, mapping of national database fields to the corresponding Multi-Crop Passport Descriptors (MCPD), verification of taxonomic and geographic information, and selection of accessions suitable for public sharing. The integration process established a standardized dataset suitable for international data exchange and improved the accessibility of information on Azerbaijan's conserved plant genetic resources. The experience demonstrates that successful integration into an international PGR information platform requires systematic data preparation, descriptor harmonization, quality verification, and appropriate management of public-access information. The resulting integration provides a basis for improved discoverability of national genetic resources and supports their use in research, breeding, and international collaboration.