Research Labs
Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI) Referral Laboratory – Dodoma
The TARI Referral Laboratory, located in Dodoma, serves as the national central laboratory and the master of all research and diagnostic laboratories under the Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI). It provides advanced scientific services, technical guidance, and quality assurance support to all TARI research centres and collaborating institutions at both national and international levels. This state-of-the-art facility is equipped with modern analytical and diagnostic instruments and is managed by skilled scientists specialized in plant pathology, molecular biology, seed science, and biotechnology. The Referral Laboratory’s main objective is to provide accurate, reliable, and timely laboratory services that support agricultural research, disease surveillance, seed quality assurance, and certification. It plays a pivotal role in coordinating laboratory networks, ensuring standardization of methods, and promoting excellence in diagnostics and testing across all TARI centres.
Below are the key sections, functions, and services of the TARI Referral Laboratory:
1. Disease Diagnostic Laboratory
This section focuses on the identification and confirmation of plant diseases affecting various crops across the country. It serves as the national reference point for plant health diagnostics and collaborates with both national and international partners to monitor and manage emerging pests and diseases.
Key functions include:
Diagnosing bacterial, viral, and fungal pathogens in crops using both conventional and molecular methods. Conducting surveillance and monitoring of plant disease outbreaks for early warning and rapid response. Providing diagnostic services to researchers, seed companies, and farmers for disease confirmation and control recommendations. Archiving and maintaining a repository of characterized plant pathogens for research and reference purposes.
2. DNA Extraction Room
The DNA Extraction Room provides a clean and contamination-free environment for the isolation and purification of genetic material from plant tissues, seeds, and pathogens. This section supports all molecular-based research and diagnostic activities within the laboratory network.
Main functions include:
Extraction of high-quality DNA and RNA for downstream molecular analysis. Preparation of genetic samples for sequencing, PCR, and other diagnostic applications. Training laboratory technicians and students on molecular sample handling techniques. Supporting other TARI centres with DNA extraction services for various research projects.
3. Detection Room
The Detection Room is the molecular diagnostics hub of the Referral Laboratory. It is equipped with modern PCR machines, electrophoresis units, and biosafety cabinets for safe and accurate detection of pathogens and genetic traits.
Services and activities include:
Detection and identification of plant pathogens using PCR, RT-PCR, and other molecular techniques. Validation of disease diagnostic kits and protocols. Molecular screening of planting materials to ensure they are pathogen-free. Supporting disease resistance studies through molecular marker analysis.
4. Seed Testing Laboratory
This section provides comprehensive seed quality testing services to ensure that seeds used for production, distribution, and research meet national and international standards.
Functions and services include:
Testing for seed viability, purity, and germination capacity. Conducting health tests to detect seed-borne pathogens. Certifying seeds for quality assurance before commercialization or exchange. Providing seed testing training and advisory services to stakeholders.
5. Seed Reception, Registration, and Sampling Unit
This unit acts as the entry point for all seed samples submitted for testing or certification. It ensures that all samples are properly documented, labeled, and tracked throughout the testing process.
Main functions include:
Receiving and registering seed samples from researchers, farmers, and seed companies. Sampling seeds according to international seed testing protocols (ISTA standards). Maintaining traceability and chain-of-custody for all submitted materials. Preparing and dispatching samples to appropriate testing units.
6. Seed Purity and Germination Section
his section evaluates the physical and physiological quality of seeds to determine their suitability for planting and certification.
Functions and services include:
Assessing seed purity by identifying and quantifying contaminants and off-types. Conducting germination tests under controlled conditions to determine seed vigor and viability. Supporting national seed certification programs by providing reliable test results. Conducting comparative studies of seed quality across different production sources and storage conditions.
7. Germination Chamber 1
This chamber provides a controlled environment for conducting germination tests under standardized temperature, humidity, and light conditions.
Main functions:
Running routine germination tests for a wide range of crop species. Supporting research on seed physiology and viability under different environmental conditions. Ensuring test accuracy through automated temperature and humidity control systems.
8. Germination Chamber 2
The second germination chamber serves as a replica and backup system, ensuring continuous testing capacity and reliability of results. It allows for the replication of experiments and testing of seeds under alternative or stress conditions.
Functions include:
Conducting confirmatory germination tests for quality assurance. Testing seed response to stress factors such as moisture and temperature fluctuations. Supporting comparative seed quality studies across varieties or production environments
TARI LABORATORIES AT CENTERS
TARI MIKOCHENI Biotechnology Laboratory
The Biotechnology Section at the Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute – Mikocheni (TARI-Mikocheni) serves as a national hub for coordinating, promoting, and implementing agricultural biotechnology research aimed at enhancing the country’s socio-economic transformation. This section employs cutting-edge biotechnological approaches to complement conventional agricultural research, thereby accelerating the development of sustainable solutions to biotic and abiotic stresses, improving crop productivity, and fostering innovation in agricultural product development.
Biotechnology at TARI-Mikocheni is strategically designed to integrate molecular biology, genetic engineering, tissue culture, and bioinformatics into mainstream agricultural research. Through this integration, the centre addresses major agricultural challenges by developing resilient crop varieties, improving pest and disease management, and ensuring the availability of high-quality planting materials.
Core Areas of Biotechnology Research
Molecular Diagnostics and Disease Management
The section focuses on developing and applying molecular techniques for the rapid detection and identification of crop disease pathogens. These diagnostic tools form the basis for early warning systems and precise management strategies, minimizing crop losses and safeguarding national food security.
Pest Management and Resistance Mechanisms
Through the creation of molecular diagnostic tools, researchers at TARI-Mikocheni work to identify and monitor pest populations and resistance genes. This enables the formulation of scientifically guided pest management strategies and enhances the development of pest-resistant crop varieties.
Molecular Characterization of Crop Germplasm
The section undertakes extensive molecular characterization of germplasm for a wide range of crops, including coffee, sweet potato, cassava, cashew, rice, coconut, tea, cotton, and indigenous fruit trees. This research supports genetic conservation, utilization of genetic diversity, and identification of superior genotypes for breeding programs.
Support to Crop Breeding and Product Development
Biotechnology plays a pivotal role in supporting breeding programs and accelerating product development through:
Marker-Assisted Selection (MAS) to enhance breeding efficiency and precision in developing improved crop varieties.
DNA Fingerprinting Technology to track the adoption and diffusion of improved varieties across farming communities.
Tissue Culture and Rapid Micropropagation for the production and dissemination of disease-free planting materials such as sweet potato, cassava, round potato, and pineapple.
Genetic Diversity and Molecular Profiling to assess the genetic makeup of local and introduced germplasm, guiding conservation and breeding strategies in Tanzania.
Biotechnology Product Development and Innovation
The section is also engaged in biotechnology-based product development, leveraging biological processes, living organisms, and biomolecular systems to generate tangible goods and services that contribute to improved agricultural productivity, environmental sustainability, and human well-being. These innovations encompass biofertilizers, biopesticides, molecular markers, and genetically enhanced crop materials tailored to local agro-ecological conditions.
Through these initiatives, TARI-Mikocheni continues to strengthen the country’s capacity in agricultural biotechnology research and innovation. The centre stands as a key driver of biotechnology-enabled transformation, ensuring that modern scientific advancements are effectively translated into technologies and practices that improve food security, resilience, and rural livelihoods in Tanzania.
TARI Kibaha
Nematology and Molecular Laboratories: Advanced Biotechnological Services for Crop Health and Productivity
The Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI) – Kibaha hosts a suite of advanced laboratories that integrate nematology, entomology, pathology, and tissue culture technologies to support sustainable crop production and plant health management. These laboratories provide diagnostic, surveillance, research, and capacity-building services that utilize both classical and molecular biotechnological tools to address agricultural constraints, particularly those caused by pests, diseases, and nematodes.
1. Nematology and Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory
The Nematology Laboratory at TARI Kibaha is dedicated to the detection, identification, quantification, and management of plant-parasitic and beneficial nematodes in soil, roots, seeds, and water samples. The laboratory applies morphological and molecular techniques such as microscopy and DNA-based assays for accurate species identification.
Key Services Offered:
Diagnosis and Identification: Extraction, quantification, and molecular characterization of plant-parasitic nematodes, free-living nematodes, and entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs). Surveillance and Monitoring: Field surveys and seasonal tracking of nematode populations to establish their geographical distribution and prevalence. Nematode Management Research: Studies on nematode biology, life cycles, and host-pathogen interactions to design Integrated Nematode Management (INM) strategies involving resistant crop varieties, biological control, and safe nematicide applications. Training and Advisory Services: Farmer and extension officer training on nematode diagnosis, management, and field-level decision-making.
2. Entomopathogenic Nematode (EPN) and Biocontrol Research Unit
Within the Nematology section, specialized research focuses on entomopathogenic nematodes as biological control agents against major insect pests.
Core Services:
Efficacy Testing: Evaluation of EPN strains against key pests such as white grubs and cutworms under controlled and field conditions. Mass Production: Development of in vitro culturing techniques for large-scale multiplication of EPNs for experimental and field application. Integration into IPM: Formulation of combined pest control systems using EPNs with botanical and microbial pesticides, cultural practices, and compatible chemical treatments.
3. Entomology Laboratory
The Entomology Laboratory provides identification, classification, and surveillance of both beneficial and harmful insect species. It supports pest management programs through field monitoring, pest population dynamics analysis, and development of environmentally friendly control measures.
Services Provided:
Accurate identification of insect pests and beneficial species using morphological and molecular methods. Routine field surveys to monitor pest infestations and population trends. Research and development of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) systems incorporating biological, botanical, and chemical control approaches. Capacity Building: Training for farmers, students, and extension officers on pest identification, safe pesticide use, and IPM application.
4. Plant Pathology Laboratory
The Pathology Laboratory focuses on disease diagnosis, monitoring, and management, particularly in sugarcane and other major crops. It combines classical plant pathology and molecular techniques for accurate pathogen identification.
Services Rendered:
Disease Diagnosis: Detection and identification of fungal and bacterial diseases such as sugarcane smut and ratoon stunting disease (RSD) using microscopic and PCR-based techniques. Surveillance and Monitoring: Assessment of disease incidence and severity across regions to develop predictive management models. Resistance Screening: Evaluation of sugarcane varieties for resistance to major diseases, aiding in breeding for durable resistance. Integrated Disease Management (IDM): Recommendations involving disease-free planting materials, hot-water treatment, use of biocontrol agents (e.g., Trichoderma spp.), and safe fungicide application. Advisory and Extension Services: Field diagnosis, on-site farmer consultations, and farmer training programs to enhance disease awareness and control measures.
5. Tissue Culture Laboratory (Cassava and Sugarcane Biotechnology)
The Tissue Culture Laboratory provides biotechnological solutions for rapid multiplication and disease elimination in vegetatively propagated crops such as cassava and sugarcane.
Main Services: Production of Disease-Free Planting Material: Through meristem culture and virus indexing, the lab produces clean, certified planting stock. Rapid Clonal Multiplication: Large-scale propagation of elite and improved varieties for distribution to farmers. Germplasm Conservation: In vitro preservation of cassava and sugarcane genetic resources for long-term conservation and breeding use. Protocol Optimization: Refinement of micropropagation techniques, including nutrient media formulation, hormone concentration optimization, and acclimatization protocols tailored to local cultivars.
Integrated Laboratory Impact
Together, these laboratories at TARI Kibaha provide a comprehensive biotechnology platform for plant health diagnostics, pest and disease management, genetic conservation, and farmer empowerment. By merging nematology, molecular biology, entomology, pathology, and tissue culture, the center enhances agricultural productivity, resilience, and sustainability across Tanzania’s cropping systems.
TARI Mlingano
Soil and Sisal Biotechnology Laboratories: A National and International Hub for Soil Health and Sustainable Crop Production
The Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI) – Mlingano, located in Tanga Region, is a nationally and internationally recognized center of excellence in soil science, land resources management, and sisal biotechnology. The station plays a pivotal role in generating, analyzing, and disseminating scientific knowledge and laboratory services that support sustainable agricultural production systems in Tanzania and across the region. Among its core facilities, the Soil Laboratory and Sisal Tissue Culture Laboratory stand out as key components supporting both research and service delivery for local farmers, research institutions, and international organizations.
1. Soil Laboratory at TARI Mlingano
The Soil Laboratory at Mlingano is one of the most advanced soil testing and analytical facilities in East and Central Africa. It offers a comprehensive suite of soil, plant, water, and fertilizer analyses to support research, advisory services, and environmental monitoring. It adheres to international analytical standards (such as ISO/IEC 17025 and FAO/IAEA soil protocols), ensuring accuracy, reliability, and global comparability of results.
- Soil Physical and Chemical Analysis
The laboratory conducts detailed analysis of soil properties to determine fertility status, structure, and suitability for agricultural use.
Services offered include: Soil pH determination: Measures soil acidity or alkalinity using pH meters or colorimetric methods. Electrical Conductivity (EC): Evaluates soil salinity and soluble salt content, crucial for irrigation planning. Organic Carbon and Organic Matter Analysis: Determines soil organic content using the Walkley–Black or dry combustion methods. Total Nitrogen and Available Nitrogen: Assessed using the Kjeldahl or colorimetric methods to evaluate fertility. Available Phosphorus: Measured using Olsen, Bray I/II, or Mehlich extraction techniques, depending on soil type. Exchangeable Bases (Ca, Mg, K, Na): Extracted using ammonium acetate and analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) or flame photometry. Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC): Indicates soil nutrient-holding capacity, vital for fertilizer recommendations. Micronutrient Analysis: Determination of elements such as Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, and B using AAS or ICP-OES (Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry).
- Soil Physical Characterization
Physical properties affect water movement, root growth, and aeration.
Key analyses include: Soil Texture Analysis: Sand, silt, and clay determination by hydrometer or laser diffraction method. Bulk Density and Porosity: For assessing soil compaction and aeration. Moisture Retention and Infiltration Rate: Crucial for irrigation and land suitability assessments. Soil Structure Stability and Aggregate Analysis: Evaluates erosion susceptibility and soil resilience.
- Soil Microbiology and Biological Fertility
The soil lab also conducts microbial and enzymatic activity tests to assess soil biological health. Microbial Biomass Carbon and Nitrogen estimation. Enumeration of beneficial microbes such as nitrogen-fixing bacteria (Rhizobium, Azospirillum), phosphate-solubilizing bacteria, and mycorrhizal fungi. Soil enzyme activity tests (dehydrogenase, urease, phosphatase) to measure biological fertility.
- Fertilizer and Water Quality Testing
To ensure proper nutrient management and environmental safety, the lab provides: Fertilizer Quality Analysis: Verification of nutrient content (NPK, micronutrients) and contamination screening for imported and locally produced fertilizers. Irrigation Water Analysis: Evaluation of salinity, alkalinity, hardness, and heavy metal content to determine suitability for irrigation or livestock use.
V. Land Use Planning and Soil Mapping
TARI Mlingano is internationally known for its soil survey and mapping programs, producing soil and land capability maps for Tanzania and neighboring countries. Using GIS and remote sensing tools, the laboratory assists in: Land suitability assessments for various crops. Soil fertility zoning and classification for precision agriculture. Digital soil mapping for climate-smart land management and environmental monitoring.
Vi. Advisory and International Services
The Soil Laboratory provides scientific and advisory services to a wide range of clients, including: National and international research institutions, such as FAO, IAEA, ICRAF, CIAT, and universities. Government departments and private agricultural companies seeking soil and fertilizer quality assurance. Farmers and development projects requiring customized soil fertility management recommendations. All results are accompanied by interpretation reports and fertilizer recommendations, enabling clients to make data-driven decisions for sustainable crop production.
2. Sisal Tissue Culture Laboratory at TARI Mlingano
In addition to soil science, TARI Mlingano houses a Sisal Tissue Culture Laboratory that applies modern plant biotechnology techniques to produce high-quality, disease-free sisal planting materials. The laboratory aims to improve propagation efficiency, genetic conservation, and variety development for Tanzania’s sisal industry—one of the country’s most important export sectors.
i. Initiation and Establishment Phase
The process begins with selection of healthy mother plants from elite sisal varieties. Meristem or young shoot explants are carefully excised under sterile conditions and surface sterilized to remove contaminants. Explants are then inoculated onto nutrient-rich Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with growth hormones such as cytokinin (BAP or kinetin) and auxins (NAA or IAA) to induce cell division and shoot proliferation.
ii. Multiplication and Shoot Proliferation
Once the explants are established, they are sub cultured periodically onto fresh media to multiply the shoots. This rapid clonal propagation ensures uniformity and production of hundreds of identical plantlets from a single explant.
iii. Rooting and Plantlet Development
Shoot clusters are transferred to rooting media enriched with auxins to stimulate strong root formation. Environmental conditions such as temperature (25–28°C), light intensity, and humidity are carefully regulated to promote healthy growth.
iv. Acclimatization and Hardening
After 4–6 weeks of rooting, the young plantlets are transferred from the in vitro environment to soil substrates in a screenhouse or nursery. This phase gradually exposes them to natural conditions, ensuring survival and adaptability before being transplanted to the field.
- Germplasm Conservation and Genetic Improvement the Sisal Tissue Culture Laboratory also supports in vitro conservation and genetic improvement programs by: Preserving valuable sisal germplasm under controlled conditions for long-term storage. Supporting mutation breeding and soma clonal variation studies to develop new, high-yielding, and pest-resistant varieties. Providing clean planting materials to both domestic and export-oriented sisal producers, ensuring consistent fiber quality and yield.
TARI Uyole Laboratories
The Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI) Uyole, located in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania, serves as a premier research centre focusing on agricultural innovations and biotechnology. Among its key facilities are the Soil Laboratory and the Tissue Culture (TC) Laboratory, both of which play a critical role in supporting agricultural research, crop improvement, and sustainable production systems across the region and beyond. These laboratories provide specialized scientific services not only to national stakeholders but also to regional and international clients.
1. Tissue Culture Laboratory
The Tissue Culture Laboratory at TARI Uyole is a state-of-the-art biotechnology unit designed for in vitro propagation, disease diagnostics, and germplasm conservation of economically important crops. The lab employs aseptic techniques and advanced biotechnological tools to enhance rapid multiplication, disease-free plant production, and long-term genetic resource preservation.
Key Activities and Services:
In vitro Propagation of Major Crops: The laboratory specializes in the micropropagation of potato, banana, and pyrethrum, enabling the mass production of high-quality, disease-free planting materials. Potato: Rapid multiplication of elite clones and candidate varieties for yield improvement and disease resistance trials. Banana: Production of clean and uniform planting materials for improved productivity and resistance to pests and diseases such as Banana Xanthomonas wilt and nematodes. Pyrethrum: Propagation of pure, high-yielding lines for industrial and commercial production, ensuring genetic stability and purity.
Plant Disease Diagnostics:
The TC laboratory provides molecular and serological diagnostic services for the detection of plant pathogens such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, and phytoplasmas. Techniques such as ELISA, PCR, and qPCR are routinely employed to identify infections in tissue culture plantlets and field samples.
Germplasm Conservation: The lab maintains a germplasm bank of potato, banana, and pyrethrum through in vitro slow-growth conservation and cryopreservation, ensuring the long-term availability of genetic resources for breeding and research purposes.
Molecular Characterization:
DNA fingerprinting and molecular marker analysis are conducted for genetic purity testing, variety identification, and tracking of genetic diversity within germplasm collections.
Training and Capacity Building:
The laboratory offers training services for students, researchers, and extension officers in plant tissue culture techniques, disease diagnostics, and molecular biology methods.
2. Soil Laboratory
1. Soil Laboratory (Zonal Soil Analysis Units
The Soil Laboratory at TARI Uyole is the core analytical and advisory facility for soil and plant nutrient management in the Southern Highlands Zone. It provides professional soil testing, fertility evaluation, and fertilizer recommendation services that guide farmers, researchers, and policymakers in making data-driven agricultural decisions.
Key Functions and Services of the Soil Laboratory:
a) Soil Sample Analysis
The laboratory performs comprehensive physical and chemical analysis of soil samples collected from farmers’ fields, experimental plots, and research trials. The analyses help determine soil fertility status and constraints affecting crop productivity.
Typical parameters analyzed include:
Soil pH – to determine soil acidity or alkalinity and guide lime application.
- Organic Matter Content – to assess soil health and productivity potential.
- Macronutrients (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S) – to identify nutrient deficiencies and develop fertilizer recommendations.
- Micronutrients (Zn, Fe, Mn, Cu, B) – to ensure balanced crop nutrition.
- Electrical Conductivity (EC) – to assess soil salinity levels.
- Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) – to understand the soil’s nutrient retention capacity.
- Texture Analysis (sand, silt, clay) – to classify soil type and determine water-holding capacity and drainage characteristics.
b) Fertility Mapping and Advisory Services
The Uyole Soil Laboratory coordinates zonal soil fertility mapping programs that help in generating nutrient distribution maps for different districts and agro-ecological zones. These maps are crucial tools for: Guiding fertilizer blending and lime application programs.
- Supporting sustainable land use planning.
- Advising farmers and extension officers on site-specific soil management practices.
c) Fertilizer Recommendation and Validation
Based on laboratory results, the soil lab provides crop- and location-specific fertilizer recommendations to improve soil fertility and optimize yields. It also participates in field validation trials to evaluate the efficiency of fertilizers and organic amendments across different soils and crops, such as maize, beans, potatoes, and wheat.
d) Plant and Water Analysis
In addition to soil analysis, the laboratory also conducts plant tissue analysis to determine nutrient uptake efficiency and diagnose nutrient deficiencies or toxicities. Plant tissue analysis helps identify hidden hunger or imbalances that are not visible in the field. Water quality analysis is performed to determine suitability for irrigation and laboratory use (checking parameters such as salinity, pH, and alkalinity).