MIGAL’s Plant Sciences Center brings together complementary research groups to strengthen agriculture from “gene to field to shelf”. We investigate the biology that determines yield and quality - especially in regional fruit crops - by decoding pollination and fertilization systems (including self-incompatibility in Rosaceae and avocado reproduction), and by uncovering how plants grow and reproduce under drought, salinity and heat.
In parallel, we use high-throughput genomics and bioinformatics to understand adaptation, domestication and variety formation, and plant biotechnology/metabolism research to improve nutritional value and characterize health-promoting compounds in crops such as pomegranate.
A major pillar is protecting crops and safeguarding the food chain. Our phytopathology and crop protection research develops integrated, eco-friendly disease management - combining chemical, biological and agrotechnical tools - while leveraging the plant and soil microbiomes to reduce fungal disease impacts. We also study plant–microbe interactions for food safety (how edible plants interact with human pathogens) and for plant growth promotion.
Finally, our postharvest innovation work extends the storage life and market quality of fruits and vegetables through optimized storage conditions, novel technologies, fresh-cut solutions, and molecular insights into ripening - supporting growers and industry with validated, field-relevant outcomes.
