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:
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<symbol> ::= expression
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derivation rules; a BNF specification is a set of derivation rules
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|
<symbol>
| |
is a nonterminal variable
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|
::=
| |
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
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|
...
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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.
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Reasoning is performed based on the established relations,
and the consequences of the reasoning are examined.
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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 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