Plant Sciences

Research at The Institute of Plant Sciences is dedicated to improving agricultural productivity and sustainability, and focuses on all fields of plant biology, agricultural research, natural resources and the relationship between the environment and agriculture. Production of fruits and vegetables requires research and development of new varieties that are resistant to diseases and weather hazards and more importantly to climate change. The institute stands at the forefront of science and research and develops diverse, high-quality, high-yield agricultural crops. The activity of the institute allows the Israeli consumer to enjoy a wide variety of delicious and healthy fruits and vegetables in all seasons of the year. The researchers at the institute are engaged in applied research to improve varieties, to enhance desirable traits, improve crop resilience to diseases, and at the same time in infrastructural research aimed at understanding the molecular mechanisms responsible for plant development. Research at the institute is conducted with advanced scientific and biotechnological tools and methods, such as molecular breeding and genomic editing. In addition, the institute works in the field of agroecology for sustainable management of the agricultural space and the surrounding natural resources, as well as in the development of agriculture in the urban space. The Institute comprises over 40 research groups in four departments: Vegetable and Field Crops Research, Fruit Tree Sciences, Ornamental Plants and Agricultural Biotechnology and Natural Resources.