Biotechnology, Seed & Postharvest
Division Goal
To enhance plant breeders' effort in the development and disseminating of mandate crop varieties for sustainable seed and food security in Ghana and the sub-region using standardized laboratory methods.
ISO Accreditation
The only Division in the Institute with ISO/IEC 17025:2005 accreditation for its test methods, awarded by SANAS in 2018.
Areas of Specialization
Support & Services
We enhance the capacity of graduate students and provide support services to breeding programs. We offer professional client services to industry, individuals, and institutions at moderate costs.
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Major Sections
ISO
17025 Certified
Sectional Research Interests
Tissue Culture Section
Focuses on chemical sterilization, meristem and shoot tip cultures, and thermotherapy to clean plantlets from fungus, bacteria, and viruses. Specialized in in vitro mass propagation using traditional systems, temporary immersion bioreactors, and Plant form systems. Operates aeroponics and hydroponics systems in screenhouses for commercial seed production.
Molecular Biology Section
Utilizes RFLPs, SSRs, and SNPs to hasten breeding cycles. Activities include nucleic acid extraction, genetic fingerprinting, marker-assisted selection, and molecular diagnostics. Includes a dedicated Biosafety wing to ensure a secure laboratory environment for all staff.
Seed Science Section
Researches seed quality systems and develops innovative technologies for crop varieties in Ghana’s seed system. Manages seed conditioning, storage, and germplasm of the Institute. Provides internal seed quality control and trains prospective seed growers and specialists.
Biochemistry & Postharvest Section
Studies the physiology and biochemistry of mandate crops. Conducts research on handling food and industrial crops from harvest to utilization. Aims to design supply chain technologies that ensure end-user satisfaction and significantly reduce postharvest losses.
Research Outputs & Technologies
Over the years, the division has achieved significant milestones in crop propagation, genetic analysis, and food processing innovation.
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Major Technological Achievements
Established protocols for rapid in vitro propagation and conservation of vegetatively propagated crops.
Mass propagation of mandated crops especially the vegetatively propagated crops.
Establishment of aeroponics and hydroponics systems for yam propagation.
Training of commercial seed growers on aeroponics and hydroponics systems for yam propagation.
Genetic fingerprinting of the Institute’s mandate crops.
Marker assisted selection for targeted traits in mandate crops.
Molecular diagnostics of pathogens (viruses, bacteria etc) in crop varieties to ensure quality planting materials.
Developed protocol for assessment of wound response physiology in starchy root crops [yam and sweetpotato].
Developed several innovative and consumer accepted food products and processing methodologies.
Snack-type and breakfast-type and other innovative processed foods from root crops.
High-value shelf-stable tomato products (jam, ketchup).
Meat and milk substitutes from common bean (Phaseolus sp.).
Developed training programs for capacity-building in low-capital micro enterprise food processing.