The Plant Disease Research Centre (PDRC) is mandated to conduct research on plant diseases affecting economically important crops, using both conventional plant pathology approaches and advanced molecular techniques. The Centre focuses on understanding the biology, aetiology, epidemiology, detection, and control of plant pathogens, including fungi, bacteria, viruses, and nematodes. Emphasis is placed on accurate diagnosis and early detection of diseases through laboratory and field-based investigations to support effective disease management strategies.

 

Also, PDRC applies modern molecular breeding and biotechnology tools to support the development of disease-resistant and resilient crop varieties. Through applied research, collaboration, and technology transfer, the Centre contributes to sustainable agricultural development by improving crop productivity, reducing yield losses, and strengthening national food security.

 

Vision

To be a centre of excellence in plant disease and molecular breeding research, contributing to sustainable agriculture, food security, and prosperity.

 

Mission

To create scientific knowledge and practical solutions for the detection and management of plant diseases, and the development of disease-resistant crops through early detection and management of plant diseases and molecular breeding in support of sustainable agriculture and food security.

 

Core Functions

  • Conduct research on biology, aetiology, and epidemiology of plant pathogens affecting economically important crops.
  • Develop and apply conventional and molecular diagnostic techniques for early and accurate detection of plant diseases.
  • Design and implement effective disease control and management strategies.
  • Apply modern molecular breeding approaches such as CRISPR Cas9 gene editing to develop crop varieties with resistance to major plant diseases.
  • Provide scientific and technical support to stakeholders in agriculture to enhance crop health and productivity.
  • Contribute to national and regional efforts to improve food security and sustainable agricultural systems.

 

Impact and Achievements

  • The PDRC, in collaboration with the Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International (CABI) and the Plant Protection and Regulatory Services Directorate of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, conducted nationwide surveillance for invasive plant diseases, including Banana bunchy top disease and Citrus greening disease.

 

Learn More About Our Work

We provide services to help farmers, agribusinesses, research institutions, and government agencies to enhance crop health and productivity. We also offer technical advice on:

  • Plant disease surveillance
  • Development of disease-resistant crop varieties
  • Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) sequence data analysis
  • Laboratory testing for plant pathogens
  • Field assessments and surveys
  • Customised training programmes in plant disease management
  • Project development and technical support


We empower researchers, students, agricultural extension officers, and farmers through hands-on training programs that bridge theory and practice. Participants gain skills in:

  • Plant pathogen detection and identification
  • Molecular breeding and gene editing techniques (including CRISPR-Cas9)
  • Bioinformatics
  • Integrated disease management strategies

 

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Ongoing Projects

  • Nationwide surveillance for invasive plant diseases such as Banana bunchy top and Citrus greening diseases.
  • CRISPR-Cas9 editing of food crops for disease-resistance, high yield, and climate-resilience
  • Genetic diversity analysis of plant pathogens to enhance disease management.
  • Capacity building through hands-on training and workshops.

 

Past Projects

Not provided

 

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  • Microbiology and Plant Pathology Laboratories
  • Molecular Biology and Genomics Laboratory
  • Plant Transformation Facilities (for precise genome modification)

 

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  • Genome editing to rapidly develop climate-resilient and climate-adaptable crop varieties using the CRISPR-Cas9 system. Crops of interest include, but are not limited to, rice, yams, and tomatoes.
  • Pathogen identification and genetic characterisation to enhance plant breeding for disease resistance.
  • Mutation and molecular breeding for disease resistance
  • Plant-Microbe Interactions/Plant-Vector-Microbe Interactions
  • Pathogen discovery using Next Generation Sequencing approaches

 

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Physical Address:

Plant Disease Research Centre

P.O. Box LG 80

Legon

 

Digital Address (GPS):

GE-257-0465

 

Phone:

+233 24 485 6008

 

Email:

bnari@gaec.gov.gh

 

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