- Disease Vector Control
- Crop Pest Control and Agronomy
- Analytical Sciences
The Disease Vector Control Unit focuses on the development of new technologies for controlling arthropods that transmit diseases to humans and livestock. Facilities in the unit include insectaries, laboratories and semi-field for studying insect behavior and screening the efficacy of technologies, and a field station where the effectiveness of these are evaluated before large scale field trials.
The unit has contributed to the co-developed of many front-line disease control products including:
- Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets e.g., Olyset™ Plus and MiraNet™
- Indoor Residual Sprays e.g., SumiShield™ 50WG
- Mosquito Larvicides e.g., Sumilarv™ 50WG and Sumilarv™ 2MR
- Tsetse FlyScreens
- Safari charm, AgroZ tsetse repellent
The Crop Pest and Agronomy Unit aims to develop locally-adapted technologies that help small holder and large scale farmers cub the challenge of pests common in the tropics and increase production and yield. The unit started by developing and testing plastic products for horticulture and agriculture. It has now widened its scope and is involved in building technologies for preventing post harvest loses and improving food safety. Facilities in the unit include insectaries with major Afro-tropical pests, field plots equipped for drip irrigation and several laboratories.
Products co-developed and optimized in the unit include:
- Shade nets such e.g., AgroZ® Net
- Hermetic bags e.g., AgroZ® and AgroZ Plus bags
The Polymer and Analytical Chemistry Unit leads the (1) detailed formulation and evaluation of compounds (active ingredients), plastic polymers, polymer additives, (2) chemical synthesis of new compounds, (3) the development and optimization of new methods for implementing physical and chemical tests on products, and (4) screening for mycotoxins. Facilities in the unit include a state-of-the-art laboratory for analytical chemistry equipped for Gas-chromatography (GC), High potential Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), and other chemical tests. The unit is equipped with several modern equipment for conducting physical tests on products.
