Other Names: Seed and Plant Improvement Institute (SPII)
Address: Mardabad Avenue
P.O. Box 4119
Karaj 31585
Islamic Republic of Iran
Location: Karaj [35°50'N, 51°00'E]
Website: None known
Phone Number: (+98) 261 222858
Fax: (+98) 261 229405
Subordinate to: The Agricultural Research Education and Extension Organization, which is under the Ministry of Agriculture.
Size: 598 researchers, of which 18 have PhDs and 155 have Master's degrees. Budget is 35.7 billion IR.
Primary Function(s): Plant breeding research

History: Founded in 1960-61.

Activities: There are eight research divisions in Karaj, and more than 80 research facilities nationwide. The primary goals of this institution are to address problems related to agriculture. The eight divisions in Karaj are Seeds, Plant biotechnology, Genetic and hereditary reserves, Corn, Oil seeds, Potato and onions, Botanical, and Seed control and certification.

The Institute has specifically established a biotechnology department to conduct research on genetic transformation in major crops, genetic analysis, and transfer of desirable genes into desirable agronomic backgrounds.

Key Source: "Magazine Outlines Biotechnology Research Centers in Iran," Ettela'at-e Elmi (Tehran), 14 May 2001, in FBIS Document IAP20010514000001, 15 May 2001; Agricultural Science and Technology Indicators Database, <http://www.asti.cgiar.org/profiles/iran.cfm?arow=88>; Icarda Seed Unit Publications, <http://www.icarda.cgiar.org/seed_unit/SeedUnit/Report/
seed_unit_publications.htm>; "Monographs of the National Agricultural Research Systems of the Highlands Region," WANA NARS Study—Iran, 1999.

	Updated August 2003