The National Collections of the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) serve as a vital resource for preserving and studying South Africa's agricultural biodiversity. These collections house a wide range of plant, insect, and pathogen specimens that are essential for research, disease management, and pest control. The collections play a crucial role in supporting agricultural industries by providing valuable data on species identification, biosecurity, and the development of sustainable agricultural practices. Through these collections, ARC contributes to the advancement of science, environmental conservation, and food security.
The National Collections of Fungi (NCF), Insects (NCI), Nematodes (NCN) and Arachnids (NCA), curated and maintained by specialists within the Biosystematics Division. The National Collection of Plant Pathogenic and Plant Protecting Bacteria (PPPPB), and South African Rhizobium Culture Collection (SARCC), Plant Virus sero reagent and Antisera are housed and maintained within the Plant Microbiology Division.
COLLECTIONS
