Trait Ontology is a controlled vocabulary used to describe and codify a collection of phenotypic traits in breeding programs. In DeltaBreed, ontology is defined as a controlled vocabulary to support the standardization of observation variables (or ontology terms) so that breeding data are unambiguous, interoperable and reusable. DeltaBreed follows the cropontology.org conceptual model that defines variables as a combination of a trait, a method and a scale. Note: breeders may use the term “trait” interchangeably with observation variable or phenotype, but DeltaBreed uses the term “trait” more specifically and the ontology is designed to manage any type of observation variable, not just phenotypes.