1 Title of Research Project - Agricultural Research Organization

Internal Ref #
1
Title of Research Project:
The function of miRNAs in tomato fruit development and
ripening
Project Leader:
Tzahi Arazi
Institute: ARO Volcani Center
Department: Institute of Plant Sciences
Email :
tarazi@agri.gov.il
Phone :
The research team (other scientists):
Short Description of Research Project (3-5 lines):
Fruit development and ripening are processes unique to plant species and thus can provide
novel insights regarding plant developmental regulatory mechanisms. Still, the regulation
of their development and ripening in not fully understood. Indeed, recent sequencing of
small RNAs from tomato fleshy fruit demonstrated that numerous microRNAs (miRNAs)
are expressed in its developing and ripening pericarp. MiRNAs are master regulators of
plant development through post-transcriptional regulation of target mRNAs often with
regulatory functions, such as transcription factors. We have found that several miRNAs
are expressed in tomato fruit, and target several classes of transcription factors during its
development. In addition, we developed various tools to probe miRNA functions in the
fruit. This project aims to investigate the role of these miRNAs and corresponding targets
in fruit development and ripening.
Required Qualifications of Visiting Scientist:
Education:
Ph.D.
Scientific Experience:
Postdoc in plant molecular biology
Abilities and Skills:

Internal Ref #
2
Title of Research Project:
Identification and genetic mapping of disease resistance genes in
bread wheat
Project Leader: Dr. Roi Ben-David
Email : roib@vulcani.agri.ac.il
Phone : 039683681
Institute: Institute of Plant Sciences ARO-Volcani Center
Department: Department of Agronomy and Natural Resources
The research team (other scientists): Prof. Amos Dinoor (Department of Plant
Pathology and Microbiology, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and
Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot)
Short Description of Research Project (3-5 lines):
The bread wheat cultivar Arina was found to be resistance to 4 Israeli powdery
mildew isolates. An RIL mapping population of ArinaxForno (susceptible cv.)
was previously used to construct a genome-wide genetic map and will be used to
genetically characterize the resistance mechanism. In addition the RIL population
will be screened for rust resistance in the field (Yellow, Leaf and stem rusts).
Required Qualifications of Visiting Scientist:
Education:
Solid back ground in genetics, plant science and Molecular biology.
Knowledge in Phytopathology and cereal genomics is also recommended.
Scientific Experience:
Genotyping with molecular markers, running large scale experiments, basic
experience in growing plants in the field and good computer skills.
Abilities and Skills:
Independent , hardworking, motivated and curious.

Internal Ref #
3
Title of Research Project: Olive tree’s response for macronutrients
availability
Project Leader: Dr. Arnon Dag
Email : arnondag@agri.gov.il
Phone :972-8-9928630
Institute: Gilat Research Center, Plant Sciences
Department: Fruit Tree Sciences
The research team (other scientists): Dr. Uri Yermiyahu (ARO), Dr. Alon Ben-Gal
(ARO), Dr. Zohar Kerem (HUJI)
Short Description of Research Project (3-5 lines): In this project we are following
the response of intensively cultivated olive trees to irrigation with different level
of macronutrients (via fertilizers / recycled water treatment). We will have a
multidisciplinary approach in which we will follow soil properties, olive tree’s
physiological response, productivity, oil yield and quality. This comprehensive
approach will allow us to optimize the fertilization regime while minimizing
costs, and environmental hazards and maximizing productivity and product
quality.
Required Qualifications of Visiting Scientist:
Education:Ph. D. in biology / soil sciences / agronomy
Scientific Experience:Working in fruit trees physiology / plant nutrition
Abilities and Skills:Fluent English, experience in physiological measurement or / and soil
physics and chemistry

Internal Ref #
4
Title of Research Project:
Molecular characterization of Sweetpotato storage root formation
Project Leader:
Email : vcfiron@volcani.agri.gov.il
Dr. Nurit Firon
Phone : 972-506220735
Institute: The Volcani Center, Agricultural Research Organization.
Department: Institute of Plant Sciences, Dept. of Vegetable Research.
The research team (other scientists):
Short Description of Research Project (3-5 lines):
The most economically important physiological process in sweetpotato production is
storage root development. Sweetpotatoes are commercially propagated through
vegetative cuttings. These cuttings produce adventitious roots that give rise to either
fibrous- or storage-roots. The aim of the study is to characterize genes that regulate
the induction of storage root formation, using the anatomical and molecular tools
developed recently in our laboratory.
Required Qualifications of Visiting Scientist:
Education:
Scientific Experience:
Plant molecular biology. Plant physiology.
Abilities and Skills:
Fluent English (reading & writing).

Internal Ref #
5
Title of Research Project:
Dual role of the TYLCV protein V2 in suppressing the host plant defense
Project Leader: Yedidya Gafni
Institute: Plant Sciences
Email : ygafni@volcani.agri.gov.il
Phone : 03-9683471
Department: Vegetable Research
The research team (other scientists): Prof. Vitaly Citovsky, NY., Prof. Abraham
Loyter, Hebrew University.
Short Description of Research Project (3-5 lines):
TYLCV-Is is a major tomato pathogen. We have identified a TYLCV-Is protein, V2,
which acts as a suppressor of RNA silencing by interacting with SGS3, a component of
the plant silencing machinery. We now want to elaborate on the mechanism(s) by which
V2 is acting in suppressing the host antiviral defense.
Required Qualifications of Visiting Scientist:
Education: Ph.D. in plant biology /plant virology
Scientific Experience: The candidate should have experience in molecular biology,
biochemistry and plant virology
Abilities and Skills:

Program for Postdoctoral Fellowship Awards in Agriculture
6
Internal Ref #
Title of Research Project: Regulation of plant water balance by
sugar metabolism
Project Leader: David Granot
Email : granot@agri.gov.il
Phone : 972-3-9683792
Institute: Plant Sciences, The Volcani Center
Department: Vegetable Research
The research team (other scientists): Rakefet David Schwartz; Gilor Kelly, Ofer
Stein, Shlomo Goren. Collaborators: Menachem Moshelion, Sarah Assmann
Short Description of Research Project (3-5 lines):
We discovered novel roles for sugar metabolism genes in the regulation of
stomata and water transport via aquaporins. Opposite to previous knowledge,
sugar close stomata and minimize water loss. The molecular and physiological
studies are performed with tomato and Arabidopsis plants.
These new results are not yet in press, but our other studies on sugar metabolism
genes (hexokinases and fructokinases) and sugar sensing were published.
Required Qualifications of Visiting Scientist:
Education: Plant physiology and molecular biology.
Scientific Experience: Gene cloning, Gene expression analyses, Plant physiology
Abilities and Skills: Good personal interaction, Good English, Highly motivated, Good
learning capabilities.

Internal Ref #
7
Title of Research Project:
The Genetics of Pod-Filling in Peanut under Water-Limiting
Conditions
Project Leader: Ran Hovav
Institute: Plant Sciences
Email : ranh@agri.gov.il
Phone : +972-3-9683682
Department: Field Crops
The research team (other scientists):
Short Description of Research Project (3-5 lines):
Pod-filling in peanut has a significant genetic component, since cultivars are considerably
varied in their pod-fill and seed-fill potential. Here, we suggest to (1) analyze the genetic
components that control pod-filling and seed-filling processes in polyploid peanut and (2)
to correlate these to specific water stress conditions. Our genetic infrastructure comprises
segregating populations derived from independent crosses between elite peanut cultivars
with high pod-fill potential and breeding lines with poor pod-filling potential. Initially,
global and homeolog-specific mRNA expression will be detected by applying deep
sequencing technology on developing seeds, seed coats, and pericarps derived from the
parent lines grown on different water regimes. Also, the relationships between whole
genome duplication, homeolog-specific mRNA expression and metabolite accumulation
in developing pods and seeds will be evaluated. In the second part of the project, genetic
analysis and molecular mapping of pod fill, seed fill and other pod quality traits will be
done on the populations by locus-specific SNP markers.
Required Qualifications of Visiting Scientist:
Education:
Ph.D. in plant genetics or plant molecular biology
Scientific Experience:
Solid background in basic molecular biology is required. Candidates with strong
quantitative skills are most highly desired.
Abilities and Skills:
The ideal applicant will be highly motivated, a strong academic record, research
experience in the plant biological sciences, and fluent English language skills. Previous
experience with high-throughput genetics and/or molecular biology is preferred.

Internal Ref #
8
Title of Research Project:
Studies on the biological role of strigolactones, the new plant
hormones, in tomato development: genetic and physiological
analysis of new mutants.
Project Leader:
Dr. Hinanit Koltai
Institute: ARO, Volcani Center
Email : hkoltai@agri.gov.il
Phone : 972-3-9683039
Department: Plant Sciences
The research team (other scientists):
Short Description of Research Project (3-5 lines):
The research will be focused on studies on the biological role of strigolactones,
the new plant hormones, in tomato development. New tomato mutants will be
studies using genetic and physiological tools. The research is expected to identify
new components of strigolactones signal transduction, and lead to a better
understanding of strigolactones regulation on plant development.
Required Qualifications of Visiting Scientist:
Education: PhD
Scientific Experience: Plant molecular biology and physiology
Abilities and Skills: Precision, background in statistics, will and ability for a dedicated
work

Internal Ref #
9
Title of Research Project: Elucidation of the interactions between
TYLCV-resistance genes in tomato and the virus.
Project Leader: Dr. Moshe Lapidot
Email :lapidotm@volcani.agri.gov.il
Institute: Plant sciences
Phone :+972-3-50-6220568
Department:Vegetable research
The research team (other scientists):Dr. Ilan Levin, Dr. Moshe Reuveni
Short Description of Research Project (3-5 lines):
Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) is one of the most devastating viruses of
cultivated tomatoes. The genes responsible for TYLCV-resistance in tomato,
known as Ty-1, Ty-3 and Ty-5, have been recently identified. Our objective is
to characterize the interactions between the tomato encoded resistant genes
(and their protein products) and with the viral genes and protein products.
Required Qualifications of Visiting Scientist:
Education:Plant molecular biology, virology.
Scientific Experience:Experienced in plant molecular biology techniques with
sufficient background in virology.
Abilities and Skills:PCR and quantitative PCR,protein analyses on a whole plant
basis, two-hybrid system. Good communication skills in English are essential

Internal Ref #
10
Title of Research Project:
Fine mapping, functional analysis and pyramiding of genes controlling
begomovirus resistance in tomato.
Project Leader: Dr. Ilan Levin
Institute: Plant sciences
Email : vclevini@volcani.agri.gov.il
Phone : +972-3-50-6220475
Department: Vegetable research
The research team (other scientists): Dr. Moshe Lapidot, Dr. Moshe Reuveni
Short Description of Research Project (3-5 lines):
Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) is one of the most devastating viruses of
cultivated tomatoes and poses increasing threat to tomato production
worldwide. Our main objective is to identify and functionally characterize
genes which control resistance to TYLCV
Required Qualifications of Visiting Scientist:
Education: Molecular genetics or molecular biology
Scientific Experience: Experienced in molecular biology techniques with sufficient
background in genetics
Abilities and Skills: Capable to carry out gene cloning, as well as PCR, RT-PCR and
protein analyses on a whole plant basis. Good verbal and communication skills
in English are essential

Internal Ref #
11
Title of Research Project:
Rootstock-scion Interaction in Grape: potential role of plant
hormone and hormone signaling in communication
Project Leader: Dr. Etti Or Email : vhettior@agri.gov.il
Institute: Volcani Center, ARO
Phone : 972-3-9683345
Mobile: 972-506-220345
Department: Fruit tree sciences
Short Description of Research Project (3-5 lines):
Project will be part of the program "Rootstock-scion Interaction in Grape:
Omics prespective". Cabernet sauvignon grafted on two contrasting
rootstock will be studied. A comparative analysis is planned of plant
hormone signaling components that represent potential important player in
rootstock-scion communication. The project will combine physiology,
bioinformatics, expression analyses, hormone quantization, metabolite
profiling and transgenic analyses
Required Qualifications of Visiting Scientist:
Education: PhD in biology (preferred plant biology)
Scientific Experience: Molecular background is required. Experience in tissue culture,
microscopy, plant physiology is preferred.
Abilities and Skills: Communication ability in English, operation of Microsoft office
standard software and internet sequence databases

Internal Ref #
12
Title of Research Project:
Regulation of berry size and cluster uniformity
Project Leader: Dr. Etti Or Email : vhettior@agri.gov.il
Institute: Volcani Center, ARO
Phone : 972-3-9683345
Mobile: 972-506-220345
Department: Fruit tree sciences
Short Description of Research Project (3-5 lines):
Size uniformity among berries in the cluster is a function of initial flower load
and fruit-set percentage. Experimental system tat allow synchronized fruit set
will be used to follow relationship between carbohydrate availability and size
diversity and comparative analysis of small and big berries will be carried out to
identify factors that are controlled by competition and are involved in regulation
of berry size. The project will combine physiology, bioinformatics,
expression analyses, hormone quantization and transcriptomic analyses.
Required Qualifications of Visiting Scientist:
Education: PhD in biology (preferred plant biology)
Scientific Experience: Molecular background is required. Experience in tissue culture,
microscopy, plant physiology is preferred.
Abilities and Skills: Communication ability in English, operation of Microsoft office
standard software and internet sequence databases

Internal Ref #
13
Title of Research Project:
Analysis of developmental and environmental induced changes in
the transcriptomes of higher-plants mitochondria by directional
sequencing methods
Project Leader:
Dr. Oren Ostersetzer-Biran
Email : biranos@agri.gov.il
Phone : +972-3-968-3397
Institute: Inst. of Plant Sciences
The research team (other scientists):
Short Description of Research Project (3-5 lines):
The use of high throughput sequencing (“RNA-seq”) has extended from
human and other eukaryotes to bacteria and recently to plastids as well, where
it has clarified operon structures, gene annotations and also led to the discovery
of non-coding and “small RNAs”. High-resolution genome-wide transcriptome
mapping approaches have not been applied in a systematic fashion to plant
mitochondria. Thus, we anticipate that new paradigms will emerge by using
these methods with mitochondria.
Required Qualifications of Visiting Scientist:
Education: M.Sc. or Ph.D. in biochemistry, molecular biology or related field in Plant
Sciences, from a university or an internationally recognized accrediting organization
Scientific Experience: The Visiting Scientist
Preferred Qualifications:
Research experience in RNA/protein biochemistry and molecular biology as it
relates to gene expression in plant / bacteria / organelles.
Experience in studies of macromolecular (RNA-RNA, protein-RNA, proteinprotein)
interactions using a variety of modern techniques.
Abilities and Skills:

Internal Ref #
44
Title of Research Project:
Genetic and molecular regulation of shoot architecture and
flowering time in pepper
Project Leader: Ilan Paran
Institute: Plant Science
Email : iparan@volcani.agri.gov.il
Phone : 972-3-9683943
Department: Vegetable Research
The research team (other scientists):
Short Description of Research Project (3-5 lines):
We study the genetic control of pepper shoot architecture and flowering time by
using induced EMS- mutants. The mutants are characterized and the genes
controlling the phenotypes are isolated by map-based cloning and use of
candidate genes and comparison to homologous mutants in model plant species.
Required Qualifications of Visiting Scientist:
Education: PhD
Scientific Experience: Plants genetics, molecular biology
Abilities and Skills: Good English writing and speaking skills

Internal Ref #
15
Title of Research Project:
Understanding the basis of peel disorders in citrus
Project Leader:
Avi Sadka
Institute: Plant Science
Email : vhasadka@volcani.agri.gov.il
Phone : 3343
Department: Fruit Trees Sciences
The research team (other scientists): Ron Ofir, Itamar Lansky (Bar Ilan), Extension
Service people.
Short Description of Research Project (3-5 lines):
Peel splitting is one of major disorders in citrus, and it might result in a heavy
yield loss. The problem has probably a genetic background, but it is also affected
by external conditions. The aim of the research is to identify both endogenous
and exogenous factors which play a role in generating the disorder. The research
would combine molecular, physiological and biochemical work, and it would also
require some field work.
Required Qualifications of Visiting Scientist:
Education:
PhD in biology\Ag Sciences
Scientific Experience:
Expertise in molecular biology, and physiological work. Alternatively, experience in data
mining and analysis.
Abilities and Skills:
In addition to lab work, willingness to spend time in the field.

Internal Ref #
16
Title of Research Project:
The cross talk of auxin and the acto-myosin system during
adventitious root formation in woody and herbaceous plants
Project Leader: Einat Sadot
Institute: The Institute of Plant Sciences
Email : vhesadot@agri.gov.il
Phone : 972-3-9683510
Department: Ornamental Horticulture
The research team (other scientists):
Short Description of Research Project (3-5 lines):
Adventitious roots are formed from none root tissues in four steps; cell
dedifferentiation, cell division, primordia differentiation and root emergence.
Auxin plays a major role in each of these steps. Our studies using Eucalyptus
grandis and Arabidopsis thaliana as woody and herbaceous model plants
respectively, suggest the involvement of the acto-myosin system in the early
stages of adventitious root formation.
Required Qualifications of Visiting Scientist:
Education: PhD in Plant Sciences
Scientific Experience: Molecular biology
Abilities and Skills: Good English

POSTHARVEST & FOOD SCIENCE

Internal Ref #
17
Title of Research Project: Factors influencing browning of rachis of
table grape after harvest using auto fluorescence
Project Leader: Dr Amnon Lichter
Email : vtlicht@agri.gov.il
Phone : 972-3-9683684
Institute: Institute of Postharvest and Food Sciences
Department: Postharvest Science
The research team (other scientists): Dr Delila Beno
Short Description of Research Project (3-5 lines):
Rachis of table grapes suffer from browning during storage. We have used image
analysis to follow the effect of postharvest conditions and the effect of plant
growth regulators on deterioration of the rachis. We intend to use portable auto
fluorescence device to follow chlorophyll degradation and flavonol accumulation
and to use postharvest treatments to reduce the problem.
Required Qualifications of Visiting Scientist:
Education: PhD in agricultural sciences
Scientific Experience: General
Abilities and Skills: Computer skills and basic knowledge in statistical analysis

Internal Ref #
18
Project Leader:
Title of Research Project:
Delivery of Beneficial Nutraceutic Compounds within Edible Coatings of Food
Product
Email :
elenap@volcani.agri.gov.il
Dr Elena Poverenov
Phone :
972-39683354
Institute: Agricultural Research Organization (ARO) Volcani Center
Department: Food Quality and Safety
The research team (other scientists):
Prof. Betty Schwartz. The School of Nutritional Sciences; Institute of Biochemistry, Food Science
and Nutrition; The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment; The Hebrew
University of Jerusalem
Short Description of Research Project (3-5 lines):
Original food sources of numerous beneficial natural compounds - neutraceuticals - cannot be
consumed by people with limitations of digestive system. We plan to incorporate essential
neutraceuticals (provitamins and polyphenols) to rationally designed edible coatings of gentle and
widely available food such as mushrooms. Edible coatings also defense nutraceuticals from
metabolic destruction, improve their bioavailability and extend their product shelf life and safety.
Required Qualifications of Visiting Scientist:
Education:
Ph.D in Food Science
Scientific Experience: Analytical Chemistry, Basic knowledge of nutritional sciences
Abilities and Skills: Knowledge of GC, HPLC, FPLC, and basic assays of in vitro
availability

Internal Ref #
19
Project Leader:
Title of Research Project:
Development of Safe Materials for Smart Food Packing Using
Covalent Linkage of Antimicrobial Reagents
Email :
elenap@volcani.agri.gov.il
Dr Elena Poverenov
Phone :
972-39683354
Institute: Agricultural Research Organization (ARO) Volcani Center
Department: Food Quality and Safety
The research team (other scientists):
Short Description of Research Project (3-5 lines):
Microbial attacks on significantly decrease food availability, while intensive addition of
antimicrobial agents causes health problems, environmental pollution and microbial resistances. In
our laboratory we develop new "contact active materials" with covalently bound antimicrobial
agents. Such materials defense food from pathogen attack, but they are safe to human since
antimicrobial agent does not consumed and remained captured on the surface.
Required Qualifications of Visiting Scientist:
Education:
Ph.D in Food Chemistry or Chemistry
Scientific Experience: Synthetic Chemistry and Analytical Chemistry.
Abilities and Skills: Synthesis, spectroscopic characterization methods and basic assays of
in vitro activity.

SOIL WATERת & ENVIRONMENT

Internal Ref #
20
Title of Research Project:
Developing stable-isotope tools for studying the fate of
brominated agrochemicals in the environment
Project Leader: Anat Bernstein Email : anatb@volcani.agri.gov.il
Phone : 054-6861064
Institute: Soil, Water and Environmental Sciences
Department: Soil Chemistry, Plant Nutrition, and Microbiology
The research team (other scientists):
Short Description of Research Project (3-5 lines):
Studying the fate of brominated organic pollutants (including agrochemicals) can be
done with relatively high sensitivity using stable-isotope tools. In the proposed project,
the isotope fractionation associated with transformation reactions of brominated organics
will be studied. This will be done by performing controlled abiotic transformation
reactions under laboratory conditions and subsequent stable isotope analysis. The results
would set a tool for identifying analog reactions in the environment.
Required Qualifications of Visiting Scientist:
Education:
Environmental sciences/Natural sciences
Scientific Experience:
Experience with analytics of organic compounds would be advantageous
(GC/MS, LC/MS).
Abilities and Skills:

Internal Ref #
14
Title of Research Project: Characterization of soil organic matter
with FTIR spectroscopy*
Project Leader: Mikhail Borisover
Email : vwmichel@volcani.agri.gov.il
Phone :03-9683314
Institute: Soil, Water and Environmental Sciences
Department: Soil chemistry, plant nutrition and microbiology
The research team (other scientists):
Short Description of Research Project (3-5 lines):
In recent years Fourier Transformed Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy has been widely
used to qualitatively characterize the composition of soil organic matter (SOM). The
SOM composition may be affected by agricultural management practices. In Israel,
common practices include use of treated wastewater for irrigation and land application
of organic wastes. Therefore, the objective of the project is to develop FTIR-based
approaches for quantitative characterization of changes in SOM composition which
will contribute to optimizing the use of organic wastes in agriculture.
Required Qualifications of Visiting Scientist:
Education: Holding a PhD/DSc degree exact or life Sciences with specialization and
experience in the use of FTIR spectroscopy.
Scientific Experience: The candidate is expected to have experience in basic and/or
applied research with use of FTIR spectroscopy.
Abilities and Skills: The candidate is expected to (i) manage a research program and be
able to analyze, interpret and summarize experimental results; (ii) participate in a
multidisciplinary research team and collaborate with other scientists from the
institute. Language – Proficient in English (spoken, written and reading).
* This project is associated with an existing interdisciplinary research program on “Degradation of soil
properties following long term irrigation with treated wastewater and its effects of fruit tree plantations”.

Internal Ref #
11
Title of Research Project:
Analysis of salt tolerance in tomato cultivars through physiological,
proteomic and genomic approaches with the emphasis on the antioxidant
system
Project Leader:
Email : bruriah@agri.gov.il
Bruria Heuer
Phone : 9683704
Institute: Institute of Soil, Water and Environmental Sciences
Department: Soil Chemistry, Plant Nutrition and Microbiology
The research team (other scientists):
Short Description of Research Project (3-5 lines):
Preliminary studies in our laboratory showed that exogenous addition of glycinebetaine
to tomato roots induced tolerance to salinity. Some evidence suggests that resistance to
oxidative stress through changes in the antioxidative system may be involved in salt
stress tolerance.
Following, the purpose of this research is to provide additional information on the
mechanism of salt tolerance in plants with the emphasis on the antioxidant system, by
the use of cultivars differing in their tolerance to salt and to determine, isolate and
sequence proteins expressed during salt tolerance by using a proteomic approach. With
the use of genomic approaches, this project will provide the knowledge of gene
expression induced by salinity and the role of microRNAs on tomato tolerance to salt
stress.
Required Qualifications of Visiting Scientist:
Education:
Molecular biology, biochemistry, plant physiology, biotechnology – one or more of these
experties
Scientific Experience:
Protein isolation, sequencing and gene expression, microarray
Abilities and Skills:
Genetic analysis and manipulations, enzyme activity in gels, Western Blot, PCR, RT-
PCR

Internal
Ref #
23
Title of Research Project:
Plant-microbe interaction: rhizosphere bacteria and their
interaction with the plant root
Project Leader:
Email : minz@volcani.agri.gov.il
Dr. Dror Minz
Phone : 972-3-9683316
Institute: Institute for Soil, Water and Environmental Sciences
Department: Soil Chemistry, Plant nutrition and Microbiology
The research team (other scientists): currently 2 PhD students and 2 post-docs
Short Description of Research Project (3-5 lines):
Studying community composition and function in plant rhizosphere in relation to
plant type, soil type and nitrogen and CO2 concentration.
Gene expression by the total microbial community in the rhizosphere
(metagenomes)
Required Qualifications of Visiting Scientist:
Education:
Microbiology/ Microbial ecology/bioinformatics
Scientific Experience: working with molecular tools, preferably experience with
bioinformatic tools
Abilities and Skills:
Computer skills, writing scripts (R, Pearl), Linux

Internal
Ref #
24
Project Leader:
Dr. Dror Minz
Title of Research Project:
Isolation of plant growth promoting- and disease suppressive
bacteria and determining their effects on plant and on rhizosphere
bacterial community structure and function
Email : minz@volcani.agri.gov.il
Phone : 972-3-9683316
Institute: Institute for Soil, Water and Environmental Sciences
Department: Soil Chemistry, Plant nutrition and Microbiology
The research team (other scientists): currently 2 PhD students and 2 post-docs
Short Description of Research Project (3-5 lines):
Isolating and identifying bacteria with positive effects on different plants.
Studying their mode of actions and effect on the native community in the
rhizosphere
Required Qualifications of Visiting Scientist:
Education:
Microbiology/ Microbial ecology/Bioinformatics/Biochemistry
Scientific Experience: Working with bacteria and preferably also with plants.
Using molecular tools, preferably experience with bioinformatic tools.
Abilities and Skills:
Computer skills, writing scripts (R, Pearl), Linux

PLANT PROTECTION

Internal Ref #
25
Title of Research Project: Potentiation of pest control by insect
baculoviruses and molecular targeting of insect defenses
Project Leader: Prof. Nor Chejanovsky
Email : ninar@volcani.agri.gov.il
Institute:
Plant Protection
Phone : +972-3-9683694
Department: Entomology
The research team (other scientists):
Short Description of Research Project (3-5 lines): Noctuidae pests belonging to the
Lepidopteran family such as H. armigera, S.littoralis and S. littura, attack cotton,
vegetables, ornamentals and fruit trees. The food crisis demands development of novel
means to diminish non-specific pesticide abuse against those pests. We are developing
novel baculoviruses and alternative means for pest control, compatible with IPM, that
exploit weakening of the insect defenses towards pathogen infection by targeting the
insect immune system. For this purpose we apply molecular biology techniques, virology
and bioassays combined with bionformatic mining. Achieving our project objectives will
yield new ways friendly to the environment to control insect pests.
Knowledge: PhD.
Knowledge of the English language. Reading, writing speaking.
Experience: PhD thesis, conduction of laboratory experimentation.
Ability and skills: background in molecular biology and virology

Internal Ref #
12
Title of Research Project:
Dissecting Interactions between Root-Knot Nematode Effectors and Lipid
Signaling Pathways Involved in Plant Defense
Project Leader: Dr Sigal Brown Horowitz
Email :sigalhor@volcani.agri.gov.il
Phone : 972-3-9683353
Institute:Agriculture Research Organization, The Volcani Center
Department: The Entomology and units of Nematology and Chemistry
The research team (other scientists): none
Short Description of Research Project (3-5 lines): Our central hypothesis is that rootknot
nematodes manipulate fatty acid-mediated defense responses by targeting key plant
genes involved in these pathways using secreted effector proteins. Our objectives are to i)
determine the role of nematode Fatty Acid and Retinol (FAR) proteins in interfering with
intracellular lipid signaling related to host defenses, ii) functionally characterize
interactions between root-knot nematode effector genes and the plant oxylipin pathway
and iii) study the role of plant oxylipin pathway genes in the root-knot nematode infection
process.
Required Qualifications of Visiting Scientist:
Education: Bachelor's degrees in plant sciences, MSc & PhD of Science in Plant
Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
Scientific Experience: Experience in handling with tissue cultures, molecular
techniques, plant transformation methods, genetics and genomics approaches
Abilities and Skills: English second language, familiar with computer softwares,
handy and social

Internal Ref #
12
Sweetpotato viruses as a limitation to productivity
Title of Research Project:
Project Leader: Dr. Victor Gaba
Institute: Plant Protection
Email : vpgaba@volcani.agri.gov.il
Phone : 03-9683769; 050-6220769
Department: Plant Pathology and weed research
The research team (other scientists): Dr. Mouhammad Zeidan
Short Description of Research Project (3-5 lines): Sweetpotato productivity
worldwide is strongly affected by a wide range of viruses. We are constructing an
infectious clone of a virus to study unique features of viruses infecting sweet
potato, as well as foreign gene expression in sweet potato.
Required Qualifications of Visiting Scientist:
Education: PhD
Scientific Experience: General molecular biology plant and viruses
Abilities and Skills: Excellent general background in molecular biology, handling of
RNA; preferably with experience in plant molecular biology and/or virology

Internal Ref #
12
Title of Research Project:
Plant defense: Gene silencing mechanism through virus infection
in cucurbits
Project Leader: Dr. Amit Gal-On
Institute: Plant Protection
Email : amitg@agri.gov.il
Phone :03-9683563; 050-6220563
Department: Plant Pathology and Weed Research
The research team (other scientists): Dr. Sabrina Haviv, Ms Diana Leibman
Short Description of Research Project (3-5 lines):RNA silencing is an endogenous
process associated with protection of plants from viral infection. RNAdependent
RNA polymerase 1 (RDR1) provides a key plant defense against
viruses. The objective is to examine whether dsRNA molecules can stimulate
RDR1 transcription independent of the inducer salicylic acid.
Required Qualifications of Visiting Scientist:
Education:PhD
Scientific Experience:General molecular biology of plant and viruses
Abilities and Skills:Excellent general background in molecular biology, handling
of RNA; preferably with a experience in plant molecular biology and/or
virology

Internal Ref #
12
Title of Research Project:
Development of a push pull method for control of the red palm
weevil
Project Leader:
Dr. Victoria Soroker
Email :
sorokerv@agri.gov.il
Phone :
Institute:
Plant Protection
The research team (other scientists):
This research is a part of an EU project "Palm Protect", involving Italian
researcher Prof. Stefano Colazza
Department:
Entomology
Short Description of Research Project (3-5 lines):
Research objective is to identify the potential repellents for the red palm weevil
Rhychophorus ferrugineus and develop a push pull method for this pest.
Required Qualifications of Visiting Scientist:
Insect Behavior field and laboratory bioassays
Chemical Ecology
Education:
PhD
Scientific Experience:
Abilities and Skills:

Internal Ref #
03
Honey bee breeding for varroa tolerance
Project Leader:
Dr. Victoria Soroker
Title of Research Project:
Email :
sorokerv@agri.gov.il
Phone :
Institute:
Plant Protection
Department:
Entomology
The research team (other scientists):
Short Description of Research Project (3-5 lines):
The objective of the study is to develop behavioral and molecular markers
markers for a honeybee breeding program for varroa resistance
Required Qualifications of Visiting Scientist:
Knowledge of Honey bee biology and or breeding
Artificial insemination
Education:
PHD
Scientific Experience:
Abilities and Skills: