Yaakov Perlberger-Peleg was born in 1887 in Galicia to a traditional family, and at a young age, he joined a Zionist youth movement. He studied botany and bacteriology at the University of Vienna, Austria. In 1923, he received his doctoral degree and subsequently continued his studies at the Higher School of Agriculture in Vienna. He immigrated to the Land of Israel in 1925 and was among the first researchers to join the Agricultural Research Station, which was initially located in Tel Aviv and later in Rehovot.
Research Areas Plant protection, plant diseases
Scientific Achievements Peleg was one of the first researchers to deal with plant diseases, focusing particularly on diseases of citrus trees and deciduous trees, identifying disease-causing agents, and developing methods of prevention and control.
Contribution and Public Activity Within and Outside the Research Organization With the establishment of the State in 1948, he moved to the new Ministry of Agriculture, where he established the department that would later become the Division of Plant Protection. As the unit’s director, he invested in developing an efficient service for farmers in their fight against pests, contributed to the passing of laws regulating the use of pesticides, and developed important professional relationships with international regulatory institutions. In 1954, he was appointed Director of the governmental Agricultural Research Station, which was still in its early stages and located in Rehovot. His main task was to develop the station as a scientific institution where all the research necessary for advanced agriculture would be carried out, and he advocated for the need to conduct both applied and basic research at the station. Dr. Peleg passed away suddenly in 1958. During his short period of activity, the station expanded significantly. He strengthened the connection between research and farmers, initiated professional committees of experts for various branches, and established systems for professional and scientific publications. During his management, departments were transferred from Rehovot to new buildings erected in Beit Dagan. New departments were founded, such as the Department of Ornamental Plants, and the number of research workers increased by 75%. Among the projects that gained significant momentum were the agricultural development of the Negev and the efficient use of water. According to his acquaintances, Dr. Peleg embodied many virtues in his personality – quick thinking, a critical sense, initiative, decisiveness, and consistency in execution. He also excelled with his broad education in the natural and agricultural sciences, broad horizons, and an impressive, highly representative appearance.