The AgroBioInstitute (ABI) is a basic unit of the National Center for Agrarian Science (NCAS), subordinated on the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. The thematic directions of the three main research units are:
Department Sofia (former Institute of Genetic Engineering): Plant genetic resources, Phytopathology, Ecophysiology, Biochemistry and NIR spectroscopy, Cytogenetics, Molecular genetics, Functional genetics, Metabolomics and Bioinformatics;
Department Negovan (former Institute of Floriculture): Micropropagation and tissue culture, Breeding and introduction, Breeding and technology of carnation, Agrochemistry and Plant physiology and a Production unit;
Department Samokov (former Complex Experimental Station): Potatoes breeding and production; Flax breeding and technology.
Total staff of AgroBioInstitute is 113: 18 senior scientists, 20 scientists, 29 specialists, 24 technicians and 22 support service employees. AgroBioInstitute is equipped with all apparatus needed for the development and application of the modern cell, molecular biology and biochemistry techniques.
The Institute is well recognized in the international scientific community and participates in a number of scientific collaboration, joint projects and research programs. At present, projects funded by the 5th FP of EC, MAAE, CORESTA etc., other bilateral projects with Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Japan and USA are in progress. Other projects are funded by Bulgarian governmental institutions (Ministry of Education and Science and Ministry of Environmental Protection and Waters). Also, the contracts with private companies have been already signed.
In 1995 ABI was selected as Affiliated Center of International Center of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGB), Trieste, Italy and as a member of the Norman Borlaug Institute of Plant Science Research, Leicester, UK.
From 1999 ABI is a Center of Excellence in Plant Biotechnology in the 5th FP of EC. The Institute co-ordinates scientific investigation and training in the field of plant biotechnology and biochemistry on the national and regional level.
ABI competence and experience in the field of plant sciences in general has provided the grounds to select the institute to organize a new accredited laboratory. The laboratory is established to assess and propagate certified phytosanitary pure and genetically authentic plant material of economically important plant species (grape, potato, strawberry, raspberry, rose etc.), to trace genetically modified product by DNA analysis and quality control of agricultural products, food and feeds by NIRS analysis.
Website:
http://www.abi.bg/
Last updated on 2006-11-09 by Gertrud Linsberger-Martin
