Location

The Mon Repos Field Research Unit (MRFRU), along with Headquarters and the Library and Documentation Centre, is situated at Mon Repos, approximately nineteen (19) kilometers from Georgetown on the East Coast Demerara.

Unit's Functions

1. To provide diagnostic and advisory services.
2. To conduct research in areas that have universal applicability to all     commodities, and
3. To develop sustainable crop production systems that do not contribute to environmental degradation.

Areas of Research

Research is approached on a commodity and discipline-oriented basis, with emphasis on "on-farm" trials.

The following are the primary areas of research:

 a)     Rice - Soil fertility management and plant protection,

 b)     Oil Seed Crops e.g. coconut - Soil fertility and integrated pest management,

 c)     Grain legumes - Plant protection,

 d)     Integrated Pest Management as a major pest control strategy,

 e)     Microbiological techniques for plant nutrition, and

  f)     Management of clay soils.

Central Laboratories

NARI's Central Laboratories form part of the MRFRU

These laboratories are

 1.     Plant Tissue Culture

 2.     Microbiology

 3.     Soil Chemistry and Soil Characterization

 4.     Entomology

 5.     Plant Pathology

 6.     Weed Science

The laboratories provide support services for the Institute's other Units located at Burma, Mahaicony and Ebini, Berbice River.

Plant Tissue Culture

The functions of this laboratory are to rapidly produce large quantities of disease-free, homogeneous planting material of selected crops; store and conserve germplasm material and utilize callus cultures to induce selected stress tolerance.

Microbiology

The major function of the Soil Microbiology laboratory is to develop biological systems for enhancing plant nutrition uptake thereby reducing dependence on inorganic chemical fertilizers.  One such system now in operation is the production of adequate quantities of inoculum for farmers.

Soil Laboratories

Routine soil and tissue analyses to identify soil chemical conditions that limit plant growth and to recommend corrective action.

Conduct soil fertility research leading to a better understanding of the soil-plant-fertilizer interactions, and to develop recommendations for the appropriate use and management of the soil amendments.

Soil and Landuse Surveys

To conduct soil and landuse surveys to determine and recommend appropriate landuse and management systems.

Plant Protection (Entomology, Plant Pathology, Weed Science)

The philosophy of the Plant Protection Section is the development of pest management systems with reduced emphasis on chemical control.  Key elements in this approach are the use of resistant varieties and the application of biological control.

The Plant Protection Section provides diagnostic services for the Plant Quarantine Service of the Ministry of Agriculture.

Training

An important function of the Unit is its involvement in the training of farmers, extension workers and students.

The laboratories are also utilized for teaching purposes and the Unit's staff serve as resource persons for training courses sponsored by various agricultural agencies.

Research / Extension Liaison

This section has the responsibility of establishing and strengthening communication links between Field Research Units, the National Extension System and the Farming Community.  It also assists the National Extension System in transferring technology to farmers.

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