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AI search

Genesys AI is a feature designed to make it really easy to search for accessions in Genesys. This AI-powered tool allows you to find accessions in normal language, eliminating the need to use passport data filters or having a deep understanding of genebank data standards. Instead, you can just describe what you are looking for in plain language.

The tool provides AI-assisted search over passport data only. It does not (yet) integrate trait data and it is not able to answer other types of queries, since it is a search helper rather than a knowledge-based chatbot.

Genesys AI is only available for logged-in users. While anyone can browse and search Genesys as an anonymous visitor, creating a user account unlocks a set of powerful additional features, including Genesys AI.

How Genesys AI makes searching easier​

AI search goes beyond keywords, offering flexibility about how you phrase your query. After your initial search, you can refine it by giving further instructions to the tool, adjusting parameters like provenance, date of collection, or genebank conserving the material. This interactive approach lets you focus on what you are looking for rather than how to navigate filters and structure a query. Moreover, Genesys AI can understand queries in French and Spanish, so you can search in the language that is most comfortable for you.

And once you are ready for more precise adjustments, you can always switch seamlessly to the manual filters for a more precise level of control.

Using Genesys AI​

Step 1: Switch to Genesys AI​

On the accession search page, you will see two tabs at the top of the filter panel: Manual filtering and Genesys AI. Click on the Genesys AI tab to switch from the traditional filter interface to the AI-powered search.

The Genesys interface showing the Manual filtering and Genesys AI tabs, with a cursor pointing to the Genesys AI tab

Step 2: Type your query​

Once you have switched to Genesys AI, you will see a text box where you can enter your search query in plain language. The tool works best when you use complete sentences that clearly describe what you are looking for.

For example, you might type: "I am looking for rice collected after 2010 in Malaysia and held by IRRI."

The AI disclaimer appears at the top of the panel, reminding you that the content is generated by AI and that accuracy cannot be guaranteed. You will also see options to start a new search or use your current filters as a starting point.

The Genesys AI panel showing a natural language query about rice accessions from Malaysia, with the passport data view visible in the background

Step 3: Review the results​

When you submit your query, Genesys AI analyses your request and translates it into the appropriate search filters. The results panel shows exactly what the AI understood from your query: the crop (rice), the country of origin (Malaysia), the holding genebank (IRRI), and the collecting date range (after 2010).

The accessions that match the query appear in the accession browser on the right, with the relevant filters applied. You can see the number of results and review the details of each accession.

The Genesys AI results panel showing how the query was interpreted, with extracted parameters and matching accessions displayed in the browser

The AI also shows the token usage for your query, which helps you understand the complexity of the search.

If your first query does not return exactly what you need, you can ask follow-up questions in the same conversation. For example, you might add "also include accessions from Indonesia" or "limit to wild relatives." The AI will adjust the filters accordingly and update the results. If you need finer control, you can move over to the manual filters and adjust the settings directly.

Providing feedback​

Your feedback helps improve Genesys AI. At the bottom of the AI panel, you will find a feedback section where you can share your experience and suggest improvements. This input is valuable for guiding future development of the feature.