introduction
Crops Research Program composed of the following sections:
Agronomy, Horticulture, Seed Development Unit and Plant Protection sections.
Divisional overall Objectives
- To identify and develop appropriate agronomic and horticultural technologies to enhance sustainable crop production.
- To develop environmentally sound plant protection technologies for improving yield and quality of crops and other plant material (e.g. forage, rangelands, forestry) and management of post-harvest losses.
Specific Objectives
- To develop and adapt agronomic technologies for cereals improvement, food legumes improvement and potential alternative (high-value) crops such as oil seeds crops and fiber crop (cotton) improvement.
- To prevent the introduction, establishment and spread of foreign plant pest and noxious weeds to safeguard national agricultural produce and plant material by ensuring compliance to national and international plant protection regulations.
- To improve the seed security and accessibility of well adapted seed varieties.
- To develop and adopt technologies on production of horticultural and potential high-value crops to enhance sustainable crop production.
- To develop and adapt environmentally sound plant protection technologies and techniques to improve and enhance quality and yields of both crops and other plants and to manage post-harvest losses.
- To provide pest taxonomic, diagnostic and advisory services to all agricultural clientele.
- To project the climatic conditions and identify appropriate cropping bands with the corresponding cropping seasons.
services
pest and disease diagnostics
iii
border & farm inspection
iv
mrl tests
v
seed testing and analysis
vi
laboratory functions
1. Diagnosis of plant pathogens causing disease and disorders
- Microbiology laboratory: to detect, identify and enumerate microorganisms (Bacteria, Fungi, and yeast) in plants and plant materials.
- Serology Laboratory: to detect plant viruses e.g., ELISA.
- Molecular/Biotechnology Laboratory: DNA-based to detect plant pathogens (diseases) -PCR, qPCR, and barcoding.
2. Identification of insects and Extraction of nematodes
- Entomology laboratory: for identification of insect pests and disease vectors
- Nematology Laboratory: for identification of nematodes
3. Analytical chemistry and food safety
- Pesticides Residue Levels (MRLs) and Mycotoxins analysis: analysis of chemical pesticides and poisonous substances synthesized by plants or plant pathogens through naturally occurring biochemical reactions.
4. Active surveillance for emerging and exotic diseases and early warning
- Boarder and Farm inspections:
- Pest Risk Assessment (PRA)
- Fumigation and treatment facilities
key functions
The Angronomy
Conduct research in cereals improvement, food legumes improvement and potential alternative crops, oil seeds crops and fibre crop (cotton) improvement.
Seed Development Unit
Conduct research in tuber seed development, cereal, vegetable and legume seed development and variety maintenance strategies. It also applies research to coordinate production of adequate supply of basic seed to the seed producers and undertakes investigative and diagnostic research in areas regarding seed health and quality and also provides seed testing services.
Plant Protection and Quarantine
Conduct research in entomology, nematology, plant pathology and weed science. The section also provides phytosanitary, quarantine and plant protection laboratory services (diagnosis of diseases, insects and weeds)
Horticulture
Conducts research in vegetable improvement (leafy vegetables, root crops), fruits improvement (deciduous and citrus) and ornamentals (floriculture and landscape).
projects within agronomy section
1. New Seed Initiative in Africa (NSIMA)
The project started in 2005 and ended in 2015.It was implemented in phases of five years in Lesotho, Botswana, Angola, Eswatini, South Africa, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi It was coordinated and funded by International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT) based at regional office in Zimbabwe. Its mandate was to establish and strengthen seed production, marketing systems in Southern Africa. Seed community-based seed producers were established and trained on issues of seed production and management. Varieties such as ZM 521 and ZM 523 were released and made available to the farmers.
2. Dissemination of new Agricultural Technologies in Africa (DONATA)
It was mandated to disseminate agricultural technologies and innovations to allow farmers to gain and access released technologies. The project started in 2008 and phased out in 2012. Its main activities were implemented in Mohale’s hoek Letlapeng and Thaba-Tseka ha Makunyapane and Sehonghong.
3. Pan African Bean Research Alliance project (PABRA)
This is a project funded by the International Centre for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT). Its focus on the bean research improvement and strengthening bean value chain. CIAT started collaboration with the Department of Agricultural Research in 1986. Later along the line in 1996, PABRA was established with the main focus bean research. The project is still running. Germplasm is provided for evaluation in Lesotho. Funds are disbursed annually for activities to be implemented.
Through the project, the following bean varieties were released since 1989-1989; Pinto nodak, pink harold NW 590. Mkhuzi and NUA45 were released in 2006 and 2010 consecutively.
Crop Improvement using tissue culture laboratory and mutation breeding. The project is funded by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The activity started in 2011 and is still running. Other activities include soil and water improvement in the Soil section.
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