
Dr. Fred Donati Tairo
Position: Plant Virologist and Center Manager
Email: cmmikocheni@tari.go.tz OR Fred.tairo@tari.go.tz OR fredtairo
Dr. Fred Tairo focuses his research and studies on the molecular
epidemiology of viruses infecting crops and biotechnology. His research has
contributed to the understanding of the epidemiology, evolution, taxonomy and
development of diagnostic tools for cassava, sweet potato viruses and
phytoplasma. Dr. Tairo has experience on
adoption studies on tracking the adoption and diffusion of improved
technologies particularly improved seeds by farmers. His research has enabled
assembling and fingerprinting of reference libraries (database) of improved
seeds and landraces of Common bean, Maize and Rice, for correct identification
of varieties grown by farmers in Tanzania. Dr. Tairo is currently, managing the
National GMO detection laboratory at TARI Mikocheni, which in collaboration
with TOSCI is screening the imported seeds for the assurance of freeness from GMO
contamination. Dr. Tairo has extensive teaching and project management
experience, most notably working as a principal and co-principal investigator
on various multi-million-dollar projects funded by various donor including
“Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, USAID, Sida etc.