Biotechnology Division

Advanced Biotechnology

Cutting-edge biotechnology research and services for crop improvement, genetic analysis, and sustainable agriculture development in Zimbabwe.

Contact Lab
Molecular Biology Laboratory
500+

DNA Samples Analyzed

10,000+

Plantlets Produced

15+

Research Projects

25+

Publications

Research Focus

Research Areas

Our biotechnology division focuses on cutting-edge research areas that drive agricultural innovation

Molecular Markers

Development and application of DNA markers for crop improvement and genetic diversity studies

Applications:

Marker-assisted selection
Genetic mapping
Diversity analysis
Parentage verification
Tissue Culture

Plant tissue culture techniques for rapid multiplication and genetic transformation

Applications:

Micropropagation
Disease-free plantlets
Genetic transformation
Conservation
Gene Expression

Analysis of gene expression patterns and regulation in crop plants

Applications:

Stress response studies
Development analysis
Functional genomics
Biomarker discovery
Genetic Engineering

Development of genetically modified crops with improved traits

Applications:

Disease resistance
Stress tolerance
Quality improvement
Yield enhancement
Tissue Culture

Advanced Plant Propagation

Our tissue culture laboratory produces thousands of disease-free plantlets annually, supporting rapid multiplication of elite varieties and conservation of genetic resources.

Disease-free plant production
Rapid multiplication of elite varieties
Year-round production capability
Genetic conservation support
Tissue Culture Plantlets
Our Facilities

State-of-the-Art Facilities

Modern laboratories and equipment supporting advanced biotechnology research and services

Molecular Biology Laboratory

State-of-the-art facility equipped with PCR machines, gel electrophoresis systems, and DNA sequencers

Key Equipment:

Real-time PCR systems
DNA sequencers
Gel documentation systems
Centrifuges
Tissue Culture Laboratory

Sterile environment for plant tissue culture and micropropagation work

Key Equipment:

Laminar flow hoods
Autoclaves
Growth chambers
Microscopes
Greenhouse Complex

Controlled environment facilities for plant growth and experimentation

Key Equipment:

Climate control systems
Irrigation systems
Growth monitoring
Containment facilities
Bioinformatics Unit

Computational resources for genomic data analysis and interpretation

Key Equipment:

High-performance computers
Specialized software
Database systems
Analysis pipelines
Current Research

Active Projects

Ongoing research projects driving innovation in agricultural biotechnology

Ongoing
2023-2025
Tobacco Genetic Diversity Assessment

Comprehensive analysis of genetic diversity in Zimbabwean tobacco varieties using molecular markers

Expected Outcomes:

Genetic diversity maps
Core collection development
Breeding recommendations
Completed
2021-2023
Disease Resistance Gene Identification

Identification and characterization of genes conferring resistance to major tobacco diseases

Expected Outcomes:

Resistance gene markers
Breeding lines
Publication in peer-reviewed journals
Ongoing
2022-2024
Drought Tolerance Enhancement

Development of drought-tolerant tobacco varieties through genetic engineering approaches

Expected Outcomes:

Transgenic lines
Field trials
Performance evaluation
Ongoing
2023-2024
Tissue Culture Protocol Optimization

Optimization of tissue culture protocols for rapid multiplication of elite varieties

Expected Outcomes:

Standardized protocols
Increased multiplication rates
Cost reduction
Our Services

Biotechnology Services

Professional biotechnology services for researchers, breeders, and agricultural organizations

DNA Fingerprinting

Genetic identification and authentication of plant varieties

Turnaround Time

5-7 days

Pricing

Contact for pricing

Marker-Assisted Selection

Selection of plants with desired traits using molecular markers

Turnaround Time

2-3 weeks

Pricing

Contact for pricing

Tissue Culture Services

Micropropagation and plant regeneration services

Turnaround Time

4-8 weeks

Pricing

Contact for pricing

Genetic Transformation

Development of genetically modified plants with specific traits

Turnaround Time

3-6 months

Pricing

Contact for pricing

Research Output

Recent Publications

Latest research publications from our biotechnology division

Research Article
2023

Molecular characterization of tobacco varieties in Zimbabwe

Mukamuri, S., Chivasa, J., Mutasa, P.

African Journal of Biotechnology

Technical Note
2023

Tissue culture protocols for rapid multiplication of tobacco

Nyamunda, G., Jeche, A., Machiya, B.

Plant Cell Reports

Research Article
2022

Genetic diversity assessment using SSR markers

Mudondo, T., Chivasa, T., Mazhangara, I.

Crop Science

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