From Morphology
to Microstructures:
An Ontology about
Wheat's Anatomy Although there are contemporary ontologies relevant to wheat, there are compelling reasons to anticipate that an approximately middle-sized ontology (approximately 1000 classes) comprehensively documenting the morphology of wheat and its ancient varieties, encompassing the finest microstructures up to the molecular level, would undoubtedly capture the attention of both the scientific and economic elite.

Publishing such an ontology on renowned platforms like Agroportal or the NCBO Bioportal could not only enhance scholarly reputation but also yield tangible economic benefits.

The semantic web has revolutionized various domains of science. Time lost entails opportunity cost. Let us embark on this endeavor without delay :) The First Step: BNF The Backus-Naur Form (BNF), as a metasyntax notation, provides advantages in formalized descriptions of purely structural entities. The resulting BNF productions serve as the foundation for a controlled vocabulary and also determine the class structure of the intended ontology.

Legend:
<symbol> ::= expression derivation rules; a BNF specification is a set of derivation rules
<symbol> is a nonterminal variable
::= means that the symbol on the left must be replaced with the expression on the right
expression consists of one or more sequences of either symbols or terminals. more sequences of symbols are separated by the vertical bar "|", indicating a choice, the whole being a possible substitution for the symbol on the left
| more sequences of symbols are separated by the vertical bar "|", indicating a choice, the whole being a possible substitution for the symbol on the left
{terminal} terminals are enclosed between the pair {}. They never appear on a left side. currently not elaborated
... currently not elaborated part
BNF Production Fragments
<Wheat Internals> ::= <Grain> <Root System> <Stem> <Leaves> <Inflorescence>
    <Grain> ::= <Bran Layers> ...
        <Bran Layers> ::= <Scutellum>
                          <Aleurone Layer>
                          <Endosperm>
                          <Germ (Embryo)>
                          <Husk>
                          <Coleoptile>
                          <Radicle>
                          <Plumule>
            <Scutellum> ::= <Epidermis of Scutellum>
                            <Parenchyma cells in Scutellum>
                            <Vascular tissue in Scutellum>
                            <Xylem vessels in Scutellum>
                            <Phloem cells in Scutellum>
                            <Scutellar node>
                            <Scutellar leaves>
                            <Scutellar sheath>
                            <Scutellar ligule>
                <Epidermis of Scutellum> ::= <Cuticle of Epidermis>
                                             <Epidermal Cells>
                                             <Trichomes on Epidermis>
                                             <Stomata on Epidermis>
                                             <Epidermal Tissue Layers>
                                             <Epidermal Cell Walls>
                                             <Epidermal Pigments>
                    <Cuticle of Epidermis> ::= <Epicuticular Wax Layer>
                                               <Cuticular Ridges>
                                               <Cuticular Pores>
                                               <Cuticular Transpiration Barrier>
                                               <Cuticular Papillae>
                        <Epicuticular Wax Layer> ::= <Cuticular Layer>
                                                     <Wax Layer>
                                                     <Epicuticle>
                                                     <Lipid Layer>
                            <Cuticular Layer> ::= <Cuticle Membrane>
                                                  <Exocuticle>
                                                  <Endocuticle>
                                                  <Intracuticle>
                                                  <Epidermal Barrier>
                                                  <Outer Layer>
                                <Cuticle Membrane> ::= <Epicuticle>
                                                       <Epidermal Film>
                                                       <Periderm>
                                                       <Integumentary Sheath>
                                                       <Lipid Barrier>
                                    <Epicuticle> ::= <Epidermal Surface Layer>
                                                     <Superficial Cuticle>
                                                     <Outermost Epidermal Coating>
                                                     <Exocuticular Wax Layer>
                                                     <Surface Epicuticle>
                                        <Epidermal Surface Layer> ::=
                                           {
                                             The "Epidermal Surface Layer" is a structural component
                                             that forms the outermost portion of the cuticle membrane
                                             which covers the surface of various organisms, including
                                             plants. Its primary role is to serve as a protective
                                             barrier against external factors and minimize water loss
                                             (transpiration) from the underlying tissues.

                                             The functions of the Epidermal Surface Layer:
                                             Water Conservation - the Epidermal Surface Layer helps
                                             to prevent excessive evaporation of water from the
                                             underlying tissues by acting as a hydrophobic barrier.
                                             It reduces water loss and helps plants retain moisture,
                                             particularly in dry environments.

                                             Physical Protection: This layer acts as a shield against
                                             physical damage, such as abrasion, UV radiation, and
                                             pathogens. It provides a protective barrier that reduces
                                             the risk of injury or infection by external agents.

                                             Microbial Defense: The Epidermal Surface Layer helps to
                                             prevent the invasion of microbes, such as bacteria and
                                             fungi, by creating an inhospitable environment. It
                                             contains antimicrobial substances and helps maintain the
                                             plant's overall health.

                                             Surface Reflection: In certain cases, the Epidermal Sur-
                                             face Layer may have reflective properties that contribute
                                             to the plant's ability to reflect excess light or heat,
                                             reducing the risk of damage caused by excessive solar
                                             radiation.

                                             The specific composition and structure of the Epidermal
                                             Surface Layer can vary among different wheat species and
                                             environmental conditions. It is typically formed by a
                                             combination of waxes, cutin, and other lipid substances
                                             that provide the desired protective characteristics.
                                            }
                                        <Superficial Cuticle> ::= ...
                                        <Outermost Epidermal Coating> ::= ...
                                        <Exocuticular Wax Layer> ::= ...
                                        <Surface Epicuticle> ::= ...
                                    <Epidermal Film> ::= ...
                                    <Periderm> ::= ...
                                    <Integumentary Sheath>
                                    <Lipid Barrier>
                                <Exocuticle> ::= ...
                                <Endocuticle> ::= ...
                                <Intracuticle> ::= ...
                                <Epidermal Barrier> ::= ...
                                <Outer Layer> ::=
                            <Wax Layer> ::= ...
                            <Epicuticle> ::= ...
                            <Lipid Layer> ::= ...
                            <Hydrophobic Coating>
                        <Cuticular Ridges> ::= ...
                        <Cuticular Pores> ::= ...
                        <Cuticular Transpiration Barrier> ::= ...
                        <Cuticular Papillae> ::= ...
                    <Epidermal Cells> ::= ...
                    <Trichomes on Epidermis> ::= ...
                    <Stomata on Epidermis> ::= ...
                    <Epidermal Tissue Layers> ::= ...
                    <Epidermal Cell Walls> ::= ...
                    <Epidermal Pigments> ::= ...
                <Parenchyma cells in Scutellum> ::= ...
                <Vascular tissue in Scutellum> ::= ...
                <Xylem vessels in Scutellum> ::= ...
                <Phloem cells in Scutellum> ::= ...
                <Scutellar node> ::= ...
                <Scutellar leaves> ::= ...
                <Scutellar sheath> ::= ...
                <Scutellar ligule> ::= ...
            <Aleurone Layer> ::= ...
            <Endosperm> ::= ...
            <Germ (Embryo)> ::= ...
            <Husk> ::= ...
            <Coleoptile> ::= ...
            <Radicle> ::= ...
            <Plumule> ::= ...
    <Root System> ::= <Primary Root> <Stem> <Leaves> <Inflorescence> <Grain>
        <Primary Root> ::= <Lateral Roots> <Root Hairs>
            <Lateral Roots> ::= ...
            <Root Hairs> ::= ...
    <Stem> ::= <Nodes> ...
        <Nodes> ::= <Internodes> <Leaf Sheath>
            <Internodes> ::= ...
    <Leaves> ::= <Leave> | <Leaves> <Leave>
        <Leave> ::= <Blade> ...
            <Blade> ::= <Midrib> <Leaf Sheath>
                <Midrib> ::= ...
                <Leaf Sheath> ::= ...
    <Inflorescence> ::= <Spike> | <Inflorescence> <Spike>
        <Spike> ::= <Rachis> ...
            <Rachis> ::= <Spikelets>
                <Spikelets> ::= <Florets> <Glumes>
                    <Florets> ::= <Lemma> <Palea> <Stamen> <Pistil>
                    <Glumes> ::= ...
Creating OWL Ontology with Protégé Development stages
  • The initial step involves creating a class structure based on the developed Backus-Naur Form (BNF) file.
  • Next, the selection of appropriate annotation properties takes place, including the creation of new ones. Additionally, object properties, data properties, and individuals are prepared in this step.
  • After the above steps, the annotations are filled and the appropriate relations are established.
  • Reasoning is performed based on the established relations, and the consequences of the reasoning are examined.
  • The generated OWL/RDF file is exported and then loaded into a GraphDB, which serves as the storage for the ontology.
  • Finally, test SPARQL queries are written to test the functionality and effectiveness of the ontology system. These queries are used to validate the accuracy and efficiency of the implemented ontology.
The figure below illustrates the generated ontology class structure:

Existing Wheat-related Ontologies There are currently seven existing ontologies pertaining to wheat; however, none of them provide comprehensive information regarding the anatomical, and micro anatomical aspects of the plant. It is worth noting that several of these ontologies have not been updated for a considerable period of time, while others still remain in their rudimentary, preliminary states.

The following table offers a concise overview (detailed metrics) of these ontologies.

Ontology name Wheat Ontology (CO_321) Last updated January 4, 2022 Ref. ontology repository AgroPortal, URI Description Wheat Trait Dictionary in template v5. Classes 1,821 Classes With No Definition 1,135 Max. Num. Of Children 465 Avg. Num. Of Children 22 Classes With More Than 25 Children 13


Ontology name Wheat Trait and Phenotype Ontology Last updated September 8, 2023 Ref. ontology repository AgroPortal, URI Description Wheat Trait and Phenotype Ontology (also called Wheat Treat Ontology) is an ontology in OBO format that describes the traits of soft wheat (Triticum aestivum) and the environmental factors that affect these traits. Traits include traits of resistance, development, nutritional, baking quality, etc. Environmental factors include biotic and abiotic factors Classes 745 Classes With No Definition 646 Max. Num. Of Children 64 Avg. Num. Of Children 4 Classes With More Than 25 Children 25


Ontology name Durum Wheat (DURUM_WHEAT) Last updated July 4, 2019 Ref. ontology repository AgroPortal, URI Description The durum wheat ontology (DURUM_WHEAT) is dedicated to the sustainability analysis of the durum wheat chain. Current data available on this ontology concern durum wheat quality criteria criteria used in different countries (Moisture content rate, chemical content, etc.) Classes 224 Classes With No Definition 224 Max. Num. Of Children 91 Avg. Num. Of Children 8 Classes With More Than 25 Children 2


Ontology name Wheat Plant Anatomy and Development Ontology Last updated June 8, 2018 Ref. ontology repository AgroPortal, URI Description The ontology defines growth stages of wheat Classes 91 Classes With No Definition 27 Max. Num. Of Children 10 Avg. Num. Of Children 6 Classes With More Than 25 Children 0


Ontology name Wheat Taxa Gold Standard Last updated September 6, 2018 Ref. ontology repository AgroPortal, URI is not available Description Manually built by Catherine Roussey. Each species proposed into the wheat species table have been validated with European Wheat database. The taxon name and its ranking was firstly validated with the use of taxref reference table from INPN. NCBI's taxonomy have been used when not found in taxref. Then links to agrovoc's thesaurus, NAL and CABI Have been added. Links to ITIS database have been added, and also the links to DBpedia Classes 16 Classes With No Definition 6 Max. Num. Of Children 12 Avg. Num. Of Children 4 Classes With More Than 25 Children 0


Ontology name Wheat Ontology Last updated n/a Ref. ontology repository CIMMYT International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, URI Description n/a Classes n/a Classes With No Definition n/a Max. Num. Of Children n/a Avg. Num. Of Children n/a Classes With More Than 25 Children n/a


Ontology name Wheat Trait Ontology (CO-WHEAT) Last updated November 9, 2010 Ref. ontology repository NCBO Bioportal, URI Description The ontology defines traits of the International Wheat Information System (IWIS) database and wheat descriptor Classes 176 Classes With No Definition 27 Max. Num. Of Children 37 Avg. Num. Of Children 7 Classes With More Than 25 Children 2