Dr. Liora Shaltiel-Harpaz

HC-Entomology-Environment

Dr. Liora Shealtiel Perez is a researcher specializing in entomology and environmental agriculture, focusing on sustainable and integrated approaches to pest management. Her research explores the complex interactions between plants, insects, and agricultural environments, with the aim of reducing pest pressure through ecological and agronomic solutions rather than chemical intervention. Dr. Shealtiel Perez’s work includes plant- and soil-based strategies for pest suppression, integrated pest management in field and vegetable crops, and innovative uses of agricultural by-products to support environmentally friendly farming systems. Her research is conducted at Northern R&D research stations, contributing practical, regionally adapted solutions for resilient agriculture.

CV

Undergraduate and Graduate Studies

1997-2002:    The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment. Rehovot, Israel; Ph.D. in Eco-entomology
1992-1994:    Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel; M.Sc. (cum laude) Life Sciences with specialization in Ecology
1988-1992:    Biology, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel; B.Sc. (summa cum laude), Biology

Post-Doctoral Studies

2004-2005:    Department of Entomology, Faculty of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Quality Sciences, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel. Host: Prof. Moshe Coll. (The research was conducted at MIGAL Northern R&D Department)

Academic Ranks and Tenures in Institutes of Higher Education

2021-present:    Tel-Hai College, Department of Environmental Science    Senior lecturer and senior faculty member
2008-2021:    Tel-Hai College, Department of Environmental Science    Lecturer and senior faculty member 
2005-2007:     Tel-Hai College, Department of Environmental Science    Adjunct teacher

Offices in Academic Administration
 2020-2025:    Tel-Hai College, Department of Environmental Science,     Member, Departmental Teaching Committee
2013-2018:    Tel-Hai College    Appeals Sub-Committee of the College's Disciplinary Committee
2012-2014:    Tel-Hai College, Department of Environmental Science     Head of Ecology Unit

Scholarly Positions and Activities Outside the Institution
a.    Positions in Research Institutions

2006-present:     Researcher at MIGAL Northern R&D Plant Protection Unit. Promoted to Senior Researcher in 2016 
2020-present:     Head of the Integrated Pest Management Center (IPMC)

b.    Membership in professional organizations

2024-present:    COST-European Cooperation in Science & Technology CA23127 Group on Insect Nutrition 
2018-present:    IOBC - International Organization for Biological Control
2010-present:     The Israel Society of Ecology and Environmental Sciences
2006-present:     The Entomological Society of Israel
 

Selected research topics:

  1. Insect plant interaction: affecting pests by plant manipulation:
    • Using resistant pear trees as interstock to reduce pear psylla
    • Using plant growth regulators to reduce pear psylla
    • The study of interaction between fertilization and pests
  2. Pest management through soil management:
    • Bio-fumigation with plant residuals as a mean to produce pest free herbs and vegetables
    • Examining the effect of soil cultivation on wheat pests
    • Studying the effect of compost on ground mite (Rhizoglyphus robini) Suppression in Onion and Garlic
  3. Integrated pest management:
    • Tuta absoluta in tomatoes -natural enemies and Economic injury level
    • Development of Economic injury level of cereal aphids in wheat
    • Processing of agricultural plant waste, using the black soldier fly (BSF) Hermetia illucens
    • Environmentally friendly agriculture area wide project - A case study in the Hula valley Research location: Northern R&D Research stations

Files:

Consider the feasibility of creating a moving protein fed from agricultural waste

Python code for calculation

Report on vegetable agricultural waste and its nutritional value