Plant Health Division
Our Primary Aim
"To find sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions to pests and diseases problems/challenges on mandate food and industrial crops."
Eco-Friendly Solutions
We focus on biological controls and optimized protocols to reduce chemical dependency in Ghanaian agriculture.
Disciplines of Specialization
Plant Pathology (Mycology)
Plant Virology
Nematology
Entomology
Biological Control
Weed Science
Research Outputs & Technologies
Management of pests and diseases that affect the Institute's mandate crops.
Healthy seed yam production using neem leaf powder.
Development of diseases and pests resistant crop varieties (collab with breeders).
Identification of diseases and pest hotspots for breeding crop varieties.
Optimization of various protocols for laboratory and field detection of disease pathogens and pests.
Collaboration & Partnerships
The division collaborates with other divisions in a holistic manner through joint research programs. We also partner with external organizations to address pest and disease issues of general interest for all stakeholders.
Divisional Leadership
Currently headed by Dr. Yaw Danso, Research Scientist. The division is supported by a large team of research scientists, technologists, and technical personnel.
Detailed Research Interests
Our specialized sections bridge the gap between laboratory detection and sustainable field management.
Plant Pathology (Mycology)
Detection of causal organisms of plant fungal diseases, management and epidemiological studies.
Virology
Plant viral diseases detection, management and epidemiological studies, especially on mandate crops.
Nematology
Research on plant parasitic nematodes on vegetables, food and industrial crops with emphasis on integrated management and exploitation of entomopathogenic nematodes for managing insect pests.
Entomology & Biological Control
Research on pests and other beneficial organisms to manage crop pests. Appropriate use of insecticides for integrated crop pests and disease management in an environmentally sustainable manner.
Weed Science
Research on obnoxious and other weeds for improved crop productivity in a sustainable environment.