Funding period: 2023-2024
Lead: Harvinder Bennypaul
Total GRDI funding: $45,500
Virtool is an application for managing and analyzing Illumina sequencing data for plant virus diagnostics. It is not equipped for processing Oxford Nanopore (ONP) sequence data, an emerging and promising diagnostic technology, due to latter's radically different attributes. Enhancing Virtool for standardized diagnostics and data management for ONP could have numerous benefits for diagnostic laboratories. In this reporting period, we have made major improvements to the system to make it easier to develop new sample creation workflows, simplified introduction of new types of data and sequencing technologies, and made User Interface more flexible for handling of new workflows and their results. Generic views for new workflows have been developed and tested. This will ease the gradual deployment of future workflows.
Research tool / process
Enhancement of the workflow system in Virtool: The research project focused on enhancing the workflow system in Virtool, a web application for managing and analyzing high throughput sequencing (HTS) data, specifically for plant virus diagnostics. By extending Virtool to support Oxford Nanopore (ONP) data, the project aimed to streamline diagnostics and data management processes, reducing the need for extensive bioinformatics training. Key achievements include migrating resources to improve sample linking, developing a Generic Sample Model, and making the workflow system more adaptable to different data types and sequencing technologies. These enhancements facilitate the seamless integration of new workflows and improve testing efficiency through automation, ultimately advancing diagnostic capabilities for plant health.
Contact us
Genomics R&D Initiative
Email: info@grdi-irdg.collaboration.gc.ca