Genetics & Agricultural Biotechnologhy Institute of Tabarestan (GABIT)

Dr. Pourya Biparva

Tel No: 011-33687747

Fax: 011-33687747

Second in ranking after wheat, rice as a strategic product in Iran and many other countries has a crucial importance in human nutrition and food security. Fortunately, during the past three decades particular studies have been carried out to modify the productive varieties of rice in order to improve its harvest per area unit. In this regard, valuable achievements in terms of modified rice varieties such as Khazar, Dasht, Amol 3,Sepidroud, Neda, Neemat, Fajr and Shafaq, have been introduced to the agricultural society of Iran.

However, identification of some genetic phenomena such as Heterosis and hybrids of rice and application of modern modification techniques such as biotechnology and molecular markers in genetic variation have shed more light on the valuable aspects of rice. Furthermore, Mazandaran province rather than being considered as the rice production center in Iran, benefits from suitable climate for citrus production where 9% of total fruits production of Iran comes from this province. In this regard, Sari University management board decided to establish the Rice & Citrus Research Institute (RCRI) in order to organize and coordinate all related research projects in the fields of rice and citrus in Iran.

Iranian Ministry of science, Research, and Technology (MSRT) initially agreed to the establishment of RCRI in 2001. As the University is viewed as the basis of education and research where the reconciliation of knowledge and practice or education and research happen, the final approval was issued by MSRT in 2002. By expanding the research fields of RCRI, specifically regarding the agricultural genetic and biotechnology subjects, it was renamed Genetic and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute of Tabarestan (GABIT) by formal license that was granted from the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology in 2011.
GABIT rather than having its own organizational chart and independent management unit, consists of several research groups: Selective Breeding, Genetics, Biotechnology, and Crops Engineering. The mission and vision of the GABIT is preparation of rice catalogue via molecular markers, site identification of important crops' genes with the aid of molecular markers, transmission of pest and disease resistance genes, application of Tomagene (physical and chemical) for the creation of varieties.