Management & Laboratories
Key Personnel:
· Rositsa Charapanska – Head of Department
· Veselka Karlukova – Laboratory Technician
Laboratories at the Maize Research Institute – Knezha
The Institute has established the following specialized laboratories:
· Electrophoresis Laboratory
· Biochemistry Laboratory
· Plant Physiology Laboratory
· Phytopathology Laboratory
· Agrochemistry Laboratory
· Infralyzer Analysis Laboratory
Research Focus
Scientific research in "Breeding and Seed Production of Cultivated Plants" is conducted in the following labs:
· Electrophoresis
· Biochemistry
· Plant Physiology
· Phytopathology
· Agrochemistry
Laboratory Equipment & Capabilities
1. Electrophoresis Laboratory
· Equipment: Electrophoresis apparatus, rectifiers, mini-centrifuge, large centrifuge, automatic micropipettes, sample drying oven, magnetic stirrers, analytical/torsion balances, desiccators, fume hood, etc.
2. Biochemistry Laboratory
· Equipment: Kjeldahl-Parnas-Wagner apparatus, Soxlet extraction system (Polamat), torsion/vacuum balances, drying ovens, electromagnetic stirrer.
3. Plant Physiology Laboratory (54 m²)
· Equipment: Drying oven, germination thermostat, microscope, vacuum pump, centrifuge, contact thermometers, ultra-thermostat, balances, water bath.
4. Phytopathology Laboratory
· Equipment: Drying oven, microscope, Koch sterilization apparatus, sterilizer, balances.
5. Agrochemistry Laboratory
· Equipment: Flame photometer, pH meter (Mi 150), analytical/electronic/torsion balances, drying ovens, fume hood, muffle furnace, water bath, Kjeldahl apparatus, Spekol 11 spectrophotometer.
6. Infralyzer Laboratory
· Houses the Infralyzer 400 and a centrifugal mill.
· Total lab area: 276 m² (30.6 m² per habilitated scientist).
Analytical Capabilities
The MRI-Knezha conducts laboratory analyses of soil, grain, and plant samples, including:
· Macronutrients: Nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K)
· Soil/plant pH
· Grain quality parameters: Protein, fat, starch, ash content, fiber, etc.
Advanced Equipment (2022 Upgrade):
· SUP NIR 2720 – High-speed grain analyzer for rapid assessment of:
Protein, fats, starch, ash, fiber, and other key indicators.
Some parameters can also be analyzed manually.
Genotype & Seed Quality Lab:
· Electrophoresis in acetate buffer for genotype identification and seed certification.
The MRI-Knezha boasts state-of-the-art facilities supporting:
· Precision breeding
· Seed quality control
· Soil/plant biochemistry
· Disease resistance studies
With a team of 19 scientists and 99 total staff, the Institute remains a leader in maize research and innovation.
