The areas of research in the department range from applied breeding and agrotechnical improvement programs to basic molecular and biotechnological research relating to the advancement of vegetable crops. The research in the department focuses on the major export vegetable crops of Israel, including the solanaceous tomato, pepper, paprika and potato; the cucurbitaceous melons, watermelons, squash and pumpkins; herbs and spices; as well as strawberry and sweet potato. Major areas of research include fruit and tuber quality and development, disease resistance, abiotic stress, vegetable grafting and vegetable production in the open field and in protected environment.

The department of Vegetable research also include the Israel Gene Bank which is responsible for collection, preservation and evaluation of plant species indigenous to Israel including landraces and primitive cultivars.

Department members at Newe Ya'ar regional research center:

Burger Joseph, Ph.D.
 Dudai Nativ, Ph.D.
Edelstein Menahem, Ph.D.
Katzir Nurit, Ph.D.
Lewinsohn Efraim, Ph.D.
Nerson Haim, Ph.D.
Paris Harry S., Ph.D. 
Portnoy Vitaly, Ph.D.
Putievsky Eli, Ph.D.
Ravid Uzi, Ph.D. 
Tadmor Yaakov, Ph.D.