Our Mandate
To conduct research that improves crop productivity, develops disease-resistant plant varieties, and promotes sustainable agricultural practices for Zambia's food security and economic growth.
Our Mission
To innovate and deliver science-based solutions for crop improvement, plant health, and sustainable agriculture through cutting-edge research, biotechnology, and partnerships with farmers and industry stakeholders.
Our Vision
To be a center of excellence in plant science research in Africa, driving innovation and contributing to a food-secure nation with resilient, high-yielding crop varieties and sustainable farming systems.
About the Department
The Plant Science Department at NISIR is Zambia's premier research hub for crop improvement, plant protection, and sustainable agriculture. Established in 1998, we have been at the forefront of developing innovative solutions to enhance crop productivity, combat plant diseases, and support the growth of the agricultural sector. Our state-of-the-art laboratories, greenhouse facilities, and research farms, along with our expert team, collaborate with local and international partners to ensure that Zambian crops meet the highest standards of yield, quality, and resilience.
Department in Action
Plant Biotechnology Laboratory
See our state-of-the-art tissue culture facilities
Field Trials
Research on drought-tolerant maize varieties
Research Activities
Tissue Culture
Micropropagation of elite crop varieties
Greenhouse Trials
Controlled environment research
Molecular Markers
DNA-based selection of traits
Field Trials
Testing drought-resistant varieties
Past Projects
Drought-Tolerant Maize (2020-2025)
Developed three maize varieties with 30% higher yield under drought conditions, released to farmers in 2025.
Cassava Mosaic Resistance (2019-2024)
Identified resistance genes and developed molecular markers for cassava mosaic disease resistance.
Wheat Rust Management (2018-2023)
Developed integrated pest management strategies for wheat rust diseases in Zambia.
Current Research Projects
Genomic Selection for Groundnut Breeding
Lead: Dr. Tembo · Started Jan 2026 · Expected completion: Dec 2028
Using genomic selection to develop groundnut varieties with high yield and aflatoxin resistance.
Biofortification of Sweet Potato
Lead: Dr. Phiri · Started Mar 2025 · Expected completion: Aug 2027
Developing orange-fleshed sweet potato varieties with enhanced beta-carotene content.
Climate-Smart Bean Varieties
Lead: Dr. Mwansa · Started Feb 2026 · Expected completion: Mar 2029
Breeding common bean varieties with heat tolerance and enhanced nitrogen fixation.
Recent Publications
Tembo S., Phiri M., et al. (2026). "Genomic prediction for aflatoxin resistance in Zambian groundnut germplasm." Plant Breeding, 145(2), 178-190.
Phiri M., Mwansa C. (2025). "Carotenoid content and retention in orange-fleshed sweet potato varieties under different processing methods." Journal of Food Composition and Analysis, 112, 104-115.
Mwansa C., Tembo S. (2025). "Genetic diversity and population structure of common bean landraces in Zambia." Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution, 72(3), 891-905.