Fruits, Vegetables & Other Crops and Seed technology

Developing appropriate production packages for sustainable agriculture

WHAT IS THE FRUITS, VEGETABLES, OTHER CROPS, AND SEED TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT ABOUT?

This department was established to improve and sustain food production while conserving natural resources and promoting healthy and active lives by creating and disseminating knowledge in the Plant Sciences.

Producing quality seeds to meet the demand of farmers in Guyana.
Operationalizing of the seed technology laboratory.
Enhancement of staff through national and international capacity-building courses.

WHAT ARE OUR OBJECTIVES?

To develop quality seeds of locally adapted varieties.
To breed seeds for tolerance to adverse conditions such as drought, marginal soils, and soil acidity.
To develop appropriate production packages for sustainable agriculture.
To conserve the germplasm of important crops.

WHAT ARE WE RESEARCHING?

Fertilizer trial and varietal evaluation to increase production of carrot (Daucuscarota L.) varieties (new Kuroda and Danvers) in open field conditions.
Evaluation of “banana sweet pepper” using different fertilizer regimes under shaded cultivation.
Evaluation of jalapeno jumbo sweet pepper to different fertilizer rates under shaded cultivation.
Demonstrate the use of mulching and drip irrigation to increase the production and productivity of hot pepper.
Interventions to improve the methods of propagation of breadfruit.
Varietal evaluation of two varieties of watermelon (Grey Bell and Sangria)
The use of sprinkler irrigation for improved production in sweet potato.
The growth and yield of different cauliflower and broccoli varieties under shaded conditions.
Revitalization of the coconut industry through increased production and productivity of coconut, by adopting both short and long-term sustainable practices.
Characterization and mapping of coconut plantation in Guyana.
Demonstration of good agronomic practices for coconut farms/plantations/groves in Guyana.

HOW CAN THIS DEPARTMENT HELP YOU?

The department provides the following services: breeding; developing production packages; multiplying basic seeds; and collecting, characterizing, and conserving plant genetic resources (germplasm).

Laboratory services

germination test
moisture test
purity tests

Training services

Sensitizes and informs students, farmers, extension officers/agents, and other stakeholders on new and developing technologies.