IITA Bioscience Center
Biotechnologies are recognized as essential tools for the effective development of new research products. The staple foods of Africa (e.g., cassava, yam, cooking-banana, plantain, and cowpea) feed hundreds of millions of poor people, yet receive little attention from the biotechnologies research community, as they are not considered as major cash commodities. IITA, through its Bioscience Center, bridges this gap by linking developing countries with advanced research institutions around the world to apply the benefits of biotechnologies to these under-researched crops.
Research Areas
- Apply biotechnologies to enhance the management and use of plant genetic resources.
- Develop tools and technologies for better understanding, diagnostics, and monitoring of biological systems.
- Develop and integrate biotechnological tools and products to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of plant breeding – Molecular breeding.
- Deploy and deliver biotechnology products and knowledge.
- Build capacity for high quality biotechnology research within IITA and national partners in Africa.
Services
Established in early 90s, the Bioscience Center is the earliest and one of the few centers of excellence for genomics and biotechnology in sub Saharan Africa (SSA).
The Center provides:
- Genotyping
- Bioinformatics
- Cytogenetics (ploidy analysis)
- Genetic engineering/Transformation
- In vitro propagation/tissue culture,
- Pathogen diagnostics
- Training
The center also hosts scientists from AfricaRice.