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Fruit Tree Sciences
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| Identification of regulatory genes determining malate accumulation and sourness in grape |
Lack of control of grape sourness complicates the introgression of valuable disease-resistance alleles from wild Vitis species, and hampers the quality of commercial cultivars grown in hot climates. This project aims to identify genes that determine malic acid and sourness in grape, and help design novel genetic markers with improved precision for breeding, as a strategy to reduce vineyard pesticide use and improve fruit quality in the context of climate change. Focus will be placed on candidate genes differentially expressed between species, and located in quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with grape malate levels. Our research will involve work with cell-culture platforms, gene transformation, and profiling of primary metabolites, among other tools.
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| Education requirements |
| PhD in plant biology/biochemistry or related fields |
| Scientific experience |
| Publications in peer-reviewed journals, designing experiments, mentoring of students |
| Skills |
| Experience with cell culture, agrobacterium-mediated transformation, metabolomics -advantage |
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| Roles of light-induced proteins during plastid differentiation |
Light-induced proteins, including the light harvesting complex antenna proteins (LHCs) and other members of the extended LHC family, play important roles in plastid development and in the response and adaptation to different light conditions. In this project, we study the roles of light-induced proteins during plastid differentiation in tomato plants, focusing on the build-up and break-down of the photosynthetic machinery. Toward this, we utilize various techniques, including mutant analysis, spectroscopy, as well as light and electron microscopy.
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| Education requirements |
| Ph.D. in Plant/Life Sciences or a closely-related field. |
| Scientific experience |
| Looking for candidates with a strong background in biochemistry / molecular biology / cell biology. Prior experience with electron and/or fluorescence microscopy is an advantage. |
| Skills |
| Conduct independent research projects; take initiative; write papers and reports; teach and guide undergraduate and graduate students. |
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| IRIHIMOVITCH VERED |
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Team: Previous related studies were performed in my lab in collaboration with: Dr Yuval Cohen., Prof Shimon Meir, Dr Sonia Philosoph- Hadas |
| Study of factors affecting fruitlet abscission in mango and in avocado. |
In mango, and in avocado, natural fruitlet abscission limits productivity. To study the mechanisms regulating fruitlet abscission, we are using fruitlet explants and fruitlet-bearing trees, in which fruitlet drop is induced by ethephon, and conducting histological, physiological and transcriptome analyses. PSKs are small peptide hormones, suggested to act as new players affecting drought-induced flower abscission in tomato. We are currently studying their roles in regulating abscission in mango. We also intent to undertake experiments using mango/avocado potted trees, and/or fruitlet-bearing explants, which will be transferred to special growth chambers, to examine their abscission rates and responses under various temperature regimes. For related lab publications see https://www.agri.gov.il/en/people/569.aspx
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| Education requirements |
| PhD in Biology, Agriculture, Plant physiology or related field. |
| Scientific experience |
| Recognized skills in basic molecular biology, plant (Arabidopsis/tomato) transformation techniques and large scale data analysis. Demonstrated success in the publication and independent summary of research work in internationally recognized and peer-reviewed journals |
| Skills |
| Experience establishing and running independent scientific research Excellent management and communication skills as well as the ability to work in team. A good knowledge of computers and statistics. Recognized skills in microscopic and histological studies are advantageous Possibility to carry out seasonal field research studies is required. |
Ornamental Plants and Agricultural Biotechnology
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| SADOT EINAT |
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Team:https://www.agri.gov.il/en/people/589.aspx |
| Molecular mechanisms underlying adventitious root formation |
Clonal propagation of plants by induction of adventitious roots (ARs) from stem cuttings is a requisite step in selection and breeding programs as well as in routine agricultural practices and have a tremendous economic importance. Despite its major economic and agricultural importance, a major barrier still exists for propagating clones of valuable plants that naturally have low capacity to form ARs. We study molecular mechanisms fundamental for AR formation in recalcitrant trees and model plants.
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| Education requirements |
| PhD in plant molecular biology |
| Scientific experience |
| Plant cell biology, plant physiology and development |
| Skills |
| Molecular biology techniques |
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| Increased phenylalanine levels in plants reduces their susceptibility to a wide variety of plant pathogens |
Phenylalanine (Phe), an aromatic amino acid, has a central role in plants in addition its role as a protein building block: it is the source of a wide range of specialized metabolites, phenylpropanoids, that include both volatile and non-volatiles compounds, some of which have anti-microbial characteristics. We have discovered that by increasing Phe availability in plants, we can increase their resistance to plant pathogens, including fungi and insects. The project proposed is a continuation of our work in understanding the mechanisms by which high Phe levels cause the plants to be more resistant to pathogens.
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| Education requirements |
| PhD and preferably additional work beyond the PhD thesis. |
| Scientific experience |
| Knowlege in Molecular Biology, Protein Biology, Plant-Insect interaction, Plant-Microbe Interaction, |
| Skills |
| Molecular biology, Plant tissue culture, computational skills, good written English. |
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| Gene editing in Ornithogalum dubium |
We have previously developed tissue culture protocols for several crop plants. In this project, the candidate will develop methods to transform and achieve gene editing in O. dubium. To this end, the candidate will characterize the regeneration process occurring in this crop at the tissue level. Next, the candidate will develop a transformation protocol for this plant and ultimately, all gene-editing elements will be transferred into the target genomes to achieve gene knockout.
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| Education requirements |
| PhD |
| Scientific experience |
| The candidate should have a strong background in cell biology. In addition, the candidate should have gained experience in several of the following: - plant molecular biology - plant histology - plant tissue culture - plant transformation |
| Skills |
| Teamwork, Communication and interpersonal skills, Dependability, Strong work ethic Maturity and a professional attitude, Initiative and motivation, Creativity and intelligence Strong background in molecular biology and in plant tissue culture |
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| Elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying fruit set |
Fruit set and development are key determinants of yield and thus of significant agronomic importance in all edible fruit crops. Yet the molecular mechanism underlying fruit set is still only partly understood. Screening of an EMS mutagenized tomato population for yielding under heat stress, which compromise fruit set, resulted in the isolation of a tomato mutant capable of fertilization-independent setting of completely normal, yet seedless fruits. Using CRISPR/Cas9 gene knockout we confirmed that a mutated SlAGAMOUS-Like 6 (SlAGL6) gene underlies this true and facultative parthenocarpic phenotype, which is devoid of pleotropic effects on either vegetative or reproductive development. Current research is focused on defining SlAGL6 regulated gene network , protein partners and small RNAs that participate in fruit set.
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| Education requirements |
| Ph.D. in plant biology |
| Scientific experience |
| Molecular biology and plant biology |
| Skills |
| Knowledge in plant development and molecular biology |
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| MicroRNA regulated genes for fleshy fruit quality improvement |
The main interest of our group in focused on the functions of small RNAs in plants. Micro-RNAs (miRNAs) are one class of endogenous small RNAs that play important regulatory roles in plant development, stress and metabolism by negatively regulating gene expression. Central goals of our research are to elucidate the regulatory roles of plant miRNAs and regulated target mRNAs in flower and fruit development and to utilize this knowledge for biotechnological improvement of important agricultural crops. Toward these goals, we study the involvement of miRNAs and their corresponding targets in tomato flower and fruit development and the effects of their de-regulation on flower and fruit phenotypes.
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| Education requirements |
| Ph.D. in plant biology |
| Scientific experience |
| Plant development and tomato biology |
| Skills |
| knowledge in molecular biology |
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| Basic principles in Pectobacterium spp. attachment to plant leaves using synthetic and natural surfaces |
Soft rot disease caused by Pectobacterium spp. is responsible for severe agricultural losses in potatoes, vegetables, and ornamentals. We found different patterns of bacterial colonization on leaves of different plant host genotypes, during early infection of the leaf. These differences were at least in part dependent on leaf architecture. Similar patterns of bacterial colonization were observed on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) artificial inert replicas of leaf surfaces. The replicas confirmed the physical effect of leaf texture, on bacterial attachment and dispersal. Our aim is to study the effect of leaf surface on bacterial attachment via transcriptomic and metabolomic characterization of the interaction and to interrupt this process by the use of small plant-derived molecules.
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| Education requirements |
| PhD |
| Scientific experience |
| Wide lab experience in biotechnology, biochemistry and genetic techniques. High scientific writing skills and independent and original way of thinking. |
| Skills |
| Experience in transcriptomics, qPCR gene expression, analytical chemistry (HPLC, GCMS), and plant microbe interactions. Cloning experience and gene manipulation in bacteria is an advantage. |
Vegetable and Field Crops
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| Roles of the CLASS-II KNOX genes in regulation of fruit ripening and development |
The current project aims to characterize the functions of CLASS-II KNOX genes in fruit development and to identify molecular networks mediated by the genes in tomato fruits.
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| Education requirements |
| Ph.D genetics ; Ph.D Plant science; |
| Scientific experience |
| Expirience with molecular biology work |
| Skills |
| Tissue culture, molecular clonning |
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| Improve whaet early vigor under fluctuating environmental condition by introducing GAR (GA responsive) dwarfing genes. |
We have developed a set of Near-isogenic wheat lines carrying GAI (GA irresponsive) and GAR (GA responsive) dwarfing genes with different levels of early vigor. By using this material we can test the effect of improved early vigor on wheat productivity and grain yield under a range of environmental conditions. We also plan to test these “competitive” wheat lines as a tool in integrated weed control management and conservation agriculture practices.
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| Education requirements |
| PhD, plant biology and Genetics |
| Scientific experience |
| Prefered: Cereal genetics and breeding |
| Skills |
| Molecular and field work expertise, experience in biometric analysis (ANOVA etc.), experience in genetic mapping and molecular markers. |
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| Improving grain filling under terminal drought and heat |
A set of di-haploid wheat lines differing in grain filling rate and stem solidness will be tested under different temperature treatments during grain filling period. Using this genetic material we will try to identified and characterize variation in grain filling process under controlled conditions. In addition we will test the association of this variance to yield stability and grain quality in the field.
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| Education requirements |
| PhD, plant biology |
| Scientific experience |
| Cereals genetic and breeding |
| Skills |
| Molecular and field work expertise, experience in biometric analysis (ANOVA etc.), experience in genetic mapping and molecular markers. |
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| Mechanisms underlying circadian clock plasticity in barley |
Following genome scan using phenomics of circadian clock in barley population (Prusty et al. 2021 New Phyto) we now zoom-in to specific genes and genetic networks to identify causal variation and molecular mechanisms underlying. We also look into pleiotropic effects on the plant development and physiology using QTL-NILs and mutants of barley and heterologous expression in other plants.
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| Education requirements |
| PhD in plant biotechnology, short term as postdoc or research associate |
| Scientific experience |
| Experience in plant molecular biology, analysis of OMICs including proteomics and transcriptomics analysis, statistical analysis. Prior knowledge in cereal development or metabolism is a plus. |
| Skills |
| Independent thinking, curiosity, while keeping track with a plan. Ability to lead manuscript writing including coordination between contributors. Skilled in molecular biology including cloning, genetic transformations and large-scale genotyping |
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| DAI NIR |
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Team:Dr. Guy Tamir, Dr. Itay Maoz, Oleg Gorevitch |
| Genotype-dependent and temperature-induced modulation of genes involved in the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites with flavor and health-promoting properties in raspberries (Rubus idaeus) |
Four years ago we started to breed raspberry in the ARO, Volcani center. Beside productivity, fruit size and shelf-life, fruit aroma is the primary trait contributing to raspberry fruit quality. The subject of this study is to identify the main volatiles in raspberry fruit and estimate their contribution to overall fruit aroma. In the second stage of this research we aim to analyze these main volatiles in our raspberry collection, define their aroma pattern and use this knowledge in future raspberry breeding.
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| Education requirements |
| Ph.D. in Botany, Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi - CSIR National Botanical Research Institute Lucknow, India, 2021. Areas of Research Interest: Plant science, Stress biology, Metabolism of plants, Secondary metabolites, Application of medicinal plant in traditional and modern molecular biology. |
| Scientific experience |
| identification and selection of high yielding genotypes of S. viarum using chemical (HPLC, GCMS and LCMS) and molecular approaches. I also identified various abiotic and biotic elicitors that can upregulate desired metabolites, as well as uncover metabolic regulation and identify transcripts involved in up/downregulation of metabolite production in S. viarum by de novo transcriptome sequencing of the elicited and non-elicited cultures. |
| Skills |
| molecular biology, biochemical, chemical methods and gained technical knowledge and practical acquaintance with various modern techniques such as qRT PCR, Transcriptome and DNA sequencing, PCR, HPLC, GCMS, RNA and DNA extraction, gene cloning, Agrobacterium-mediated plant transformation and gel electrophoresis as well as protein experiments such as SDS-PAGE, western blotting etc. |
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| Improving grain filling under terminal drought and heat. |
Grain filling: A set of di-haploid wheat lines differing in grain filling rate and stem solidness will be tested under different temperature treatments during grain filling period. Using this genetic material we will try to identified and characterize variation in grain filling process under controlled conditions. In addition we will test the association of this variance to yield stability and grain quality in the field.
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| Education requirements |
| PhD |
| Scientific experience |
| Plant science and genetics, Field crops |
| Skills |
| MAS, Biometry |
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| Mechanisms underlying circadian clock plasticity in barley |
Following genome scan using phenomics of circadian clock in barley population (Prusty et al. 2021 New Phyto) we now zoom-in to specific genes and genetic networks to identify causal variation and molecular mechanisms underlying. We also look into pleiotropic effects on the plant development and physiology using QTL-NILs and mutants of barley and heterologous expression in other plants.
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| Education requirements |
| PhD in plant biotechnology, short term as postdoc or research associate |
| Scientific experience |
| Experience in plant molecular biology, analysis of OMICs including proteomics and transcriptomics analysis, statistical analysis. Prior knowledge in cereal development or metabolism is a plus. |
| Skills |
| Independent thinking, curiosity, while keeping track with a plan. Ability to lead manuscript writing including coordination between contributors. Skilled in molecular biology including cloning, genetic transformations and large-scale genotyping. |
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| Updated on: 17/05/22 12:04 |
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