Education

Education

B.S. Agriculture, University of Cape Coast, 2008
M.S. Agronomy, 2014
Ph.D. Crop Genetics and Breeding, 2020

Research Interests

My research uses genetics, genomics, and gene editing to develop climate-resilient crops, focusing on key traits like root architecture, seed yield and quality and stress tolerance. I also study how soil management affects nutrient cycles and crop productivity, working to optimize fertilizer use and soil health. To ensure real-world impact, I engage directly with farmers to align breeding goals with their needs. Additionally, I integrate these research experiences into evidence-based teaching to train the next generation of scientists. My overall goal is to bridge lab research, field application, and education to contribute to sustainable agriculture and food security.

Extension interests

My extension interests center on participatory approaches that bridge the gap between breeding programs and smallholder farmers. Through direct consultation, I identify farmer-preferred traits, production constraints, and local knowledge for crops like cowpea and pigeon pea. This ensures breeding priorities that align with real-world needs. I also leverage multi-stakeholder platforms and innovation networks to enhance seed systems, disseminate improved varieties, and sustain agricultural gains within farming communities.

Publications

Google Scholar Publication List

1. Karikari B, Maale, MD, Anning, E, Akakpo, DB, Abujaja, AM, and Addai, IK (2023). Cowpea cropping systems, traits preference and production constraints in the upper west region of Ghana: farmers' consultation and implications for breeding. CABI Agriculture and Bioscience, 4:17 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1186/s43170-023-00159-1
2. Fudjoe SK, Li L, Jiang, Y, Karikari B, Xie J, Wang L, Anwar S & Wang J. (2021). Soil Amendments Alter Ammonia-Oxidizing Archaea and Bacteria Communities in Rain-Fed Maize Field in Semi-Arid Loess Plateau. Land, 10: 1039. https://doi.org/10.3390/land10101039.
3. Xiao Y, Karikari B, Wang L, Chang F, Zhao T (2021). Structure characterization and potential role of soybean phospholipases A multigene family in response to multiple abiotic stress uncovered by CRISPR/Cas9 technology. Environmental and Experimental Botany, 104521. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envexpbot.2021.104521.
4. Karikari B, Wang Z, Zhou Y, Yan W, Feng J, & Zhao T (2020). Identification of Quantitative Trait Nucleotides and Candidate Genes for Soybean Seed Weight by Multiple Models of Genome-wide Association Study. BMC Plant Biology, 20:404. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12870-020-02604-z.
5. Karikari B, Chen S, Xiao Y, Chang F, Zhou Y, Kong J, Bhat JA, & Zhao T (2019). Utilization of Interspecific High-Density Genetic Map of RIL Population for the QTL Detection and Candidate Gene Mining for 100-Seed Weight in Soybean. Frontiers in Plant Science, 10:1001. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2019.01001.