Ms Varaidzo Odette Gwatidzo
Chairperson
Chairperson
Department of Crop Sciences ×
Ms Varaidzo Odette Gwatidzo
Contact(s)
- Email: vgwatidzo@muast.ac.zw
Qualifications
- MSc Crop Science, Marondera University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (MUAST).
- BSc Honours Degree in Agriculture -Crop Science, University of Zimbabwe (UZ).
Overview
The Department of Crop Science is a crucial academic and research unit that seeks to propel sustainable crop production knowledge under the heritage- based education 5.0 principles of Teaching, Research, Innovation, Industrialisation and Community Service. It focuses on the science and practice of crop production, improvement, and management.
Vision:
To develop informed, relevant, innovative and passionate Crop scientists through proactive teaching, learning and research
Mission:
To produce renowned graduates who are conversant with the basic principles in crop science and technology.
Core Values:
To promote ethical hands-on practices in the production of various crop species.
Objectives of the Department of Crop Sciences:
To produce relevant and competent graduates who can offer among other services:
- Crop Breeding and Genetics: Developing new crop varieties with improved yield, disease resistance, and nutritional quality.
- Crop Physiology and Ecology: Understanding crop growth and development, and the impact of environmental factors on crop production.
- Sustainable Crop Production: Developing and promoting sustainable crop production practices, such as conservation agriculture, organic farming, and integrated pest management.
- Crop Protection: Developing and implementing effective crop protection strategies against pests, diseases, and weeds.
Our Team
Plant Breeder – Associate Professor
Department of Crop Sciences ×
Tinashe Zenda
Contact(s)
- Cell: +263 779 123 469
- Email: tzenda@muast.ac.zw
Qualifications
- PhD Crop Genetics and Breeding (2020)
- MSc Agronomy (2017)
- BSc Natural Resources Management and Agriculture (2014)
- Diploma in Agriculture (2008)
Research Interests
Researcher ID: ORCID 0000 0002 7680 1520
My interests are in plant molecular biology and crop stress physiology, particularly understanding the molecular mechanisms of crop abiotic stress (drought, heat and low nitrogen) tolerance. This allows for optimization of biotechnologically and agronomically important traits for the breeding of new, high-yielding, climate-resilient, and nutritionally-dense crop cultivars for food and nutrition security. I am passionate about leveraging multi-omics and biotechnological tools to harness diverse orphaned crop species for improved crop climate resilience. I am open for research collaborations.
Senior Lecturer
Department of Crop Sciences ×
Dr Justin Chipomho
Contact(s)
- Email: jchipomho@muast.ac.zw
Qualifications
- PhD, Agronomy & Weed Science
- Master of Business Administration
- MSc Crop Protection
- BSc Honours in Agriculture (Crop Science), University of Zimbabwe
- Diploma in Agriculture
- Certificate in Agriculture
Lecturer
Department of Crop Sciences ×
Dr Mary Louis Mhazo
Contact(s)
- Email: (not provided)
Qualifications
- PhD in Agriculture (Entomology)
- MSc Crop Protection
- BSc Honours Crop Science
- Diploma in Agriculture
- Diploma In Community Development
Research Interests
- Crop Protection and Community Development
Lecturer
Department of Crop Sciences ×
Dr Vimbai Tarusikirwa
Contact(s)
- Phone: +263 771 127 594
- Email: vtarusikirwa@muast.ac.zw
Qualifications
- PhD Biology (Applied Entomology), Botswana International University of Science and Technology (2022)
- MSc Tropical Entomology, University of Zimbabwe (2016)
- BSc Hons. Agriculture (Crop Science), University of Zimbabwe (2013)
Science Laboratory Technician
Department of Crop Sciences ×
Mr. Yeukai Mashura
Contact(s)
- Email: ymashura@muast.ac.zw
Qualifications
- Master of Science in Crop Protection obtained from Marondera University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology.
- Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Management degree obtained from Zimbabwe Open University.
- Higher National Diploma in Applied Biological Technology, Harare Polytechnic College.
- National Diploma in Applied Biological Technology, Harare Polytechnic College.
- National Certificate in Science Technology, Harare Polytechnic College.
- Bronze Diploma in Professional Storekeeping, Transworld Education College, UK.
Lecturer
Department of Crop Sciences ×
Mr Jefias Mataruse
Contact(s)
- Phone: 0773774000 / 0719262465
- Email: jmataruse@muast.ac.zw
Qualifications
- MSc in Crop Protection (University of Zimbabwe)
- Post grad in Project Management (Maastricht School of Management, Netherlands)
- BSc Agricultural Management (Zimbabwe Open University)
- Diploma in Agriculture (Rio Tinto College of Agriculture)
Lecturer
Department of Crop Sciences ×
Miss Shamiso Lesley Mutepfa
Contact(s)
- Email: smutepfa@muast.ac.zw
Qualifications
- BSc Honors in Agronomy Marondera University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (MUAST).
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