DeltaBreed relies on certain validates to ensure experiment and observational data is correct before it is imported into DeltaBreed. Some of these validations require both germplasm and ontology terms to be in DeltaBreed before you attempt to upload experiments or observations. If an attempt to upload an experiment or observation file is done before germplasm and ontology, then DeltaBreed will give the user an error such as the one below.

DeltaBreed error message example when an experiment and observation template upload attempt is made before ontology terms are established.

DeltaBreed validation errors listed on the UI screen

DeltaBreed attempts to have clear error messaging so that you can import your data as quickly and as accurately as possible. There has been a lot of work around making error messaging clear and concise (see example below).

Error states: Error(s) detected in file, blueberry ontology.xls. (See details below) Import cannot proceed. It then goes on to list all the rows and errors. 

Be careful about extraneous characters or spaces. In the following screenshot, the locations in the file are all the same except for an extra space (Ithaca) versus (Ithaca ) so DeltaBreed throws an error so the user will correct that.

Excel has many auto-formations that can be helpful when using an Excel file. Sometimes, however, these auto-formations can cause concerns when importing data into DeltaBreed. Be aware of the following when collecting data in one of the DeltaBreed templates.

- **Dates:** You may want to use either a csv file or you can auto-format a column where you're using a date consistently from a "general" format to a "text" format. Just be careful that you review your data to be sure that it has not formatted something else unintentionally. (ie: 06-8153 may change to Sept-71 without changing the format of that cell.)
- Copy versus Fill. Excel has the ability to either copy selected cells or to fill them. When using either of these options, double check that you have used the one you intended with your data. (ie: Environment year: 2023 should be copied rather than filled in the experiment & observations template.)

Adjusting any template headers. Make sure you do not adjust any of the column headers. They are static in order for DeltaBreed to upload. 

Do not use periods (.) or \[ \] in the ontology term names or this will throw an error.

If you are experiencing connectivity issues, make sure that your Android device can connect to DeltaBreed successfully directly from your browser (ie: Chrome). If you cannot access DeltaBreed directly, you may need to do some troubleshooting on your device first before trying to connect via Field Book.

- If you are unable to connect directly, check your devices internal time. If this setting is out of sync, it may affect your ability to connect to DeltaBreed via Field Book.

If for some reason you become disconnected from DeltaBreed as you try to view environments in DeltaBreed, Field Book will give you this message, prompting you to reconnect.

Please email [kll222@cornell.edu](mailto:kll222@cornell.edu) if you have additional items to add to this troubleshooting collection for DeltaBreed users.

Review the most common troubleshooting concerns that occur while using DeltaBreed and how to correct them. (This section is just a start and will feature more trouble shooting tips in the future.)

External: Troubleshooting v1.0

DeltaBreed Workflow

A note about other error messages

Common Excel Auto-formations

Template headers

Common Ontology Errors

Field Book Connection