Research Article | Open Access

Volume 2025 |Article ID 100003 | https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bidere.2025.100003

TropiCODB: A multi-omics resource for supporting biodesign in tropical crops

Wenbao Dai,^1,2 Shuang He,^1,2 Yunqing Luo,^1,2 Chengjun Zhao,^1,2 Zhijuan Yang,^1,2 Junyu Zhang,^1,2 Qibin Wu,³ Wenquan Wang,^1,2 Fei Chen ^1,2

¹National Key Laboratory for Tropical Crop Breeding, College of Breeding and Multiplication (Sanya Institute of Breeding and Multiplication), Hainan University, Sanya, 572025, China
²College of Tropical Agriculture and Forestry, Hainan University, Danzhou, 571737, China
³National Key Laboratory for Tropical Crop Breeding, Institute of Tropical Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences/Sugarcane Research Institute, China

Abstract

Tropical crops play a pivotal role in ensuring global food security and driving sustainable agricultural development, particularly in regions with limited resources. However, the complexity of tropical crop genomes and the lack of integrated omics data pose significant challenges to genetic improvement and biodesign research. TropiCODB is a comprehensive multi-omics database designed to address these challenges by integrating high-quality genomic, variome, transcriptomic, metabolomic, and phenotypic datasets for eight economically significant tropical crops, including cassava, sugarcane, and oil palm. Advanced tools such as gene family analysis, miRNA profiling, and precision guideRNA design are seamlessly incorporated, offering unprecedented support for functional genomics and molecular breeding. TropiCODB's user-friendly interface and dynamic visualization capabilities enable researchers to efficiently explore key genetic mechanisms and design targeted breeding strategies. By leveraging innovative technologies and curated datasets, TropiCODB provides a robust foundation for advancing tropical agriculture through precision biodesign.