Dr. Mavis Osei-Wus

PhD, Life Science, Heriot-Watt University

Deputy Coordinator II, Academic Programmes, WACCI

Lecturer, West Africa Centre for Crop Improvement (WACCI), University of Ghana

Profile                   Grant Funded Research                   Research and Teaching                   Pulications

Research Focus

• Identification of high-yielding rice varieties tolerant to rice yellow mottle virus (RYMV) and salinity at different developmental stages for breeding of resilient rice varieties.

• Identification of target genes for the development of RYMV and salinity stress tolerance in rice for enhanced food security in Ghana. 

• Identification of High-Performing Rice Varieties: Evaluate WACCI and Cambridge selected rice varieties for their symbiotic relationship with AMF for high yield and nutrient-related traits under varying fertilizer conditions.

• Develop NUE Rice Populations: Utilize selected high-performing varieties and farmer and consumer preferred varieties of desirable nutrient-use efficiency for the development of rice populations for further breeding purposes.

• Isolation and sequencing of the diverse strains of rice blast fungi in Ghana for enhanced breeding.

• Developing Adapted Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana) Varieties for Enhanced Nutrient and Food Security in Ghana.

Research Projects

DEVELOPMENT OF HIGH YIELDING, SALINITY, DROUGHT, AND DISEASE TOLERANT RICE VARIETIES FOR ENHANCED FOOD SECURITY IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA.

This work focuses on real-time applications of these cutting-edge techniques, showcasing their potential in climate-adaptive breeding programs. Emphasizing the importance of continuous gene discovery, I will explore how modern genetic tools can drive rapid responses to evolving climate pressures and nutritional demands. By integrating molecular innovations with global food security strategies, this research will offer a pathway to developing robust rice varieties that can thrive across diverse agroecosystems and contribute to a more sustainable future.

MAXIMIZING MYCORRHIZAL BENEFITS IN RICE

Climate change poses significant challenges to global food security. This project aims to develop nutrient-use efficient (NUE) rice varieties that thrive under low fertilizer conditions through the symbiotic relationship with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). By leveraging AMF as natural biofertilizers, the project will enhance sustainable rice production, reducing dependency on costly and environmentally harmful chemical fertilizers. This research is crucial for improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in Ghana and contributing to securing their food.

PHYSIOLOGICAL AND GENETIC VARIATION FOR SALINITY TOLERANCE IN FINGER MILLET AND RICE: TOWARDS REHABILITATION OF COASTAL ZONES OF  GHANA.

The aim of this project is to comprehensively understand the physiological and genetic variations for salinity tolerance in African rice and finger millet, with the ultimate goal of developing salt-resistant rice varieties and rehabilitating saline soils in Ghana. The study also seeks to introduce finger millet to Ghanaian farmers, encouraging crop diversification and potentially benefiting other African countries facing salinity challenges.

IDENTIFICATION OF THE DIVERSE STRAINS OF RICE BLAST CAUSING FUNGI IN GHANA.

Rice blast is a destructive disease of cultivated rice worldwide and in Ghana. It is caused by difference races of the fungus Magnaporthe oryzae. The aim of this project is to identify the prevalent races in Ghana to allow for targeted improvement against the rice blast which can destroy up to 70% of rice fields upon infection. This work is in collaboration with CSIR-CRI and the Sainsbury’s laboratory in Europe.

Teaching

Undergraduate 

Postgraduate 

Supervision

GRADUATE THESES/DISSERTATIONS 

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT RESEARCH SUPERVISED