SMP Plant Biology and Research

Biography

Wanjala Bramwel is a Research Scientist at Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) in Kenya since November 2003. His extensive experience includes supporting daily research activities, training scientists and graduate students, and providing technical guidance across various laboratories. Bramwel has been instrumental in developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and maintaining equipment and chemical inventories to enhance laboratory efficiency. He has contributed significantly to capacity building, ensuring high standards of laboratory practice aligned with institutional policies. Bramwel's work in plant disease epidemiology includes conducting surveillance across Kenya for diseases such as Maize Lethal Necrosis (MLN), Cassava Brown Streak Disease (CBSV), and Sweet potato viruses, employing markers like AFLP, SSRs, SRAP, and ISSR to analyze genetic diversity. He established a diagnostic lab for MLN, training regional researchers, technical staff, and intern students in detection techniques such as ELIS, Rt-PCR, and Q-PCR. Additionally, he has conducted extensive training for Ministry of Agriculture extension staff on MLN identification and management. His exemplary performance earned him a Certificate of Excellence as the best Technologist at the National Agricultural Research Laboratories in 2005.

Research Interest