Vision and goals:
A multidisciplinary inter-unit center involving over 40 researchers from various scientific fields, including biology, materials science, chemistry, soil and water sciences, plant sciences, agricultural engineering, animal sciences, and more. The field of nanotechnology is highly developed both in Israel and globally. Just as nanotechnology has led to tremendous advancements in fields such as medical sciences and cutting-edge technologies, we anticipate similar progress with its integration into agricultural sciences, which is already happening to a large extent. The Agro-Nanotechnology Center brings together knowledge and expertise across various aspects of agriculture and food, fostering a fertile and natural environment for collaboration among researchers from diverse disciplines.
The center’s activities encompass a wide range of fields, including: Developing advanced methods for the delivery and controlled release of substances for plant nutrition and protection; Eco-friendly treatments to reduce food loss and enhance the preservation of agricultural produce post-harvest; Utilizing agricultural waste, promoting circular and sustainable agriculture; Creating biodegradable and active food packaging and smart agricultural films; Precision agriculture, agricultural robotics, and the development of biosensors and chemical sensors; Transformations to improve crop yields, nutritional value, and plant resilience under changing climate conditions; Advanced treatment methods for livestock, and more.
Our vision is gaining recognition nationally and internationally as a leading institute in the use of nanotechnology for agricultural purposes, fostering global collaborations.
Activities and Achievements:
- Extending the storage life of agricultural produce to reduce food waste and open new export opportunities.
- Finding economically viable approaches to applying “green” materials for plant protection instead of chemical products.
- Developing efficient foliar feeding methods as an alternative to root feeding, which results in approximately 80% fertilizer loss.
- Creating methods to utilize waste, both organic and plastic, for agricultural benefit.
- Rapid detection of hazardous substances and harmful microorganisms in water and food.
- Early detection of diseases in plants and livestock.
- Developing anti-contamination packaging and surfaces.
Head of center: Elena Poverenov
Team Members:
