Yiftach Vaknin Ph.D.
Senior research scientist
- Institute of Plant Sciences
- Agroecology and Natural Resources
- Institute of Plant Sciences, Room #3046
- +972-506220486
- +972-39683486
Biography
I received my PhD from Tel-Aviv University and completed postdoctoral studies at UC Davis, Pomology Department, CA, and UMR INRA/UAPV Ecologie des Invertébrés, France. I am currently a senior researcher at the Department of Natural Resources, Volcani Center in Israel, where I specialize in pollination biology of wild and cultivated plants and develop new plants and innovative agro-technological methods for the food, pharmaceutical and bioenergy industries.
Education
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1989 – 1992
B.Sc. in Department of Biology at Bar Ilan University (summa cum laude)
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1992 – 1994
M.Sc. in Department of Zoology at Tel-Aviv University Title of thesis: Nectarinia osea osea (Bonaparte) - Loranthus acaciae Zucc., a study of interrelationships in an extreme habitat Supervision by: Prof. Yoram Yom-Tov and Prof. Dan Eisikowitch
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1995 – 2000
Ph.D. in Department of Plant Sciences at Tel-Aviv University Title of thesis: The use of electrostatic methods in pollination of cultivated plants Supervision by: Prof. Dan Eisikowitch Dr. Samuel Gan-Mor
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2000 – 2002
Postdoctoral position at Pomology Department, UCDavis, Davis CA, USA with Prof. Vito Polito and Prof. Steve Weinbaum Research subject: (1) Effects of immaturity on reproductive success of pistachio (Pistacia vera L.); (2) Analysis of pollen flow in walnuts using genetic markers.
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2001 (4 months)
Postdoctoral position at UMR INRA/UAPV Ecologie des Invertébrés, Site Agroparc - Domaine Saint-Paul 84914 AVIGNON Cedex 09, France with Dr. Bernard Vaissiere Research subject: Dispersal dynamics of wind borne pollen in onion (Allium cepa L.) for hybrid seeds
Research Interests
My research focuses on developing and implementing innovative solutions in the areas of plant sexual reproduction (pollination ecology), functional foods, alternative energy crops (first and second-generation biofuels), and alternative protein sources for the food industry. This encompasses fundamental research as well as the development and practical application of novel methodologies in the fields of pollination, plant reproduction, agro-technology, genetic breeding, and alternative energy crops.
Research Areas
- Pollination ecology and pollination and fertilization biology of wild and cultivated crop plants
- Jatropha curcas L. as a rich non-edible oil crop for biodiesel production
- Edible sprouts as functional food from native Israeli plants
- Lemon eucalyptus (Eucalyptus citriodora) as a novel fresh leaf herb for infusion
- Moringa oleifera as a rich oil crop for biodiesel production and medicinal cosmetics
- Moringa oleifera as a rich source for alternative plant-based proteins for the food-tech industry