Deciduous
Dr. Michal Ackerman Lavert is a young researcher specializing in deciduous fruit trees, leading research on cherries, almonds, and kiwifruit. Her work focuses on developing new orchard training systems to reduce labor demands, applying plant hormones to improve yields, and advancing strategies to mitigate the effects of warming winters in Israel. In recent years, she has led Israel’s first cherry breeding program, developing varieties adapted to a changing climate. Through extensive collaborations with researchers and industry professionals, she is translating scientific advancements into practical solutions for the Israeli growers.
Education
2010 – 2013: B.Sc. in Plant sciences at the Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
2013 – 2015: M.Sc. in Plant sciences at the Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
2016 – 2021: Ph.D. in Plant sciences at the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Faculty of Biology
Research experience
2021 – 2023: Postdoctoral position at Northern Agriculture R&D- Migal research institute
2023 –present: Researcher at Northern Agriculture R&D- Migal research institute
Inventions or patents
A. Samach, M. Ackerman-Lavert, P. Fresnillo Herrero, O. Crane. (2020). Use Of Uniconazole For Potentiating Abscisic Acid Effects In Plants. US Provisional Patent Application No 63/077,626
Current projects
- Application of winter shading in deciduous orchards to enhance chill accumulation, improve dormancy release, and increase yield.
- Development of a modern, mechanization-adapted kiwi orchard through the evaluation of innovative training systems and the implementation of precision irrigation based on actual crop water use.
- Introduction of high-quality carob cultivars to assess the agricultural and industrial feasibility of commercial carob production in Israel.
- Development of advanced cherry production protocols for diverse growing regions, including the northern Golan Heights and low-altitude areas around Jerusalem, through the evaluation of new training systems, cultivars, and rootstocks.
- Design of next-generation cherry orchards aimed at reducing labor requirements while improving yield and fruit quality, compatible with advanced mechanization.
- Breeding and acclimation of high-quality, low-chill cherry cultivars adapted to changing climatic conditions.
- Advancement of the passion fruit (Passiflora) sector for fresh consumption in Israel.
- Optimization of chemical dormancy-breaking strategies in cherry production.
- Use of hormonal treatments and nutritional and supplements to improve fruit set and yield in stone fruit orchards.
- Development of management practices to prevent fruit cracking in cherries.
- National initiative to improve yield and profitability in Israel’s almond industry.