Implementation of Bar-code Technology in a Tree Fruit Breeding Program

Inventory control of trees and fruit samples in the Washington State University apple breeding program has been simplified by the use of bar codes. Tree labels incorporate individual bar-coded identities that can be scanned in the field when taking measurements or collecting samples. Bar codes on fruit sample labels also simplify data recording as well as improve the efficiency of the program by greatly reducing the risk of errors. The interface of bar-code identities with data organization and statistical software makes data analysis more straightforward.