Biotechnology Research Directorate

The Biotechnology Research Directorate is one of the 11thresearch directorates at the National Agricultural Research Center (NARC ) working in line with its objectives and vision by a qualified research staff .

Many projects are being implemented and plant sample tests are carried out at seed technology labs. and molecular biology labs as well. The department of Plant tissue culture implements the technique of multiplication of some important plants in order to benefit from active substances and conserve endangered ones.

The directorate is also concerned with the detection of genetically modified plants, the development of bio-security legislation and the application of quality rules in the field of seeding of various crop varieties. The directorate is working on the rehabilitation of the Seed Laboratory for accreditation (ISO 17025) and itsinternational certification for the ISTA license

Goals:

1-Identification of plant varieties and their seeds purity and conformity seeds using genetic markers.

2-Study of genetic diversity of local , domesticated and preserved genetic resources.
3-Providing agricultural services to companies and farmers in the field of genetic fingerprinting analysis of plant species produced through tissue culture or the traditional methods..
4-Cooperation between the NARC and government universities through the implementation of research by post-graduate students and trainers in biotechnology lab..
5-Attracting research projects that play a prominent role in increasing productivity of strategic agricultural crops using modern methods of biotechnology including gene transfer


The Biotechnology Research Directorate is carrying out the following Mission :
1
Conduct applied scientific research in the following fields:
1.1- Use of different biotechnologies in the selection and genetic improvement of plant varieties and plant genetic resources.
1.2- Molecular characterization of plant varieties and genetic resources through DNA fingerprinting using various molecular markers.
1.3-Propagation of plants and agricultural crops and production of plants free of diseases.
1.4- In vitro production of medicinal plants to benefit from their active constituents.
1.5- Propagation and conservation of rare and endangered plant species..
2
Detect genetically modified crops and foods.
3
Contribute to the development of Bio-safety regulations and legislation.
4
Apply quality control rules on the seeds of certified field crops varieties.
5
Run agricultural seed testing (germination, analytical purity, ...) according to the instructions of the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA).
6
Provide a database in the field of seeds.
7
Manage Al-Hussein Agricultural Research Station in coordination and cooperation with the research directorates.
8
Qualify and capacity build up of technical staff.
9
Publish and document the results of agricultural research carried out in the Directorate.
10
Prepare the annual plan for the implementation of the work assigned to the Directorate and follow-up its implementation.
The Directorate has the following departments and divisions , which carry out the tasks assigned to it: