Orchards, Deciduous trees and Vineyards
Dr. Crane's research focuses on the physiology of grapevines and deciduous fruit trees, with extensive experience collaborating with farmers and growers through applied research that translates into practical field solutions.
Driven by a commitment to advancing precision agriculture and enhancing fruit production, his work emphasizes disease management and crop resilience. This includes developing tools to minimize the expression of the GLRaV-3 virus, reducing its impact on fruit load and wine quality. He has also led studies on the introduction and evaluation of imported clones from leading wine grape varieties, assessing their adaptability to Israel’s climate and terroir.
Another key aspect of his research is optimizing orchard management through decision-support systems, such as a precision agriculture-based DSS for apple tree thinning. Additionally, he explores alternative compounds for dormancy release in deciduous fruit trees, pioneering innovative solutions to replace cianamide.
Education
- 1999 – 2002 B.Sc. in plant Sciences. At The faculty of agriculture, food and environment.
- 2002 – 2005 MS.C. Title of thesis: CONSTRUCTION OF MOLECULAR TOOLS FOR THE DETECTION OF FLOWER DIFFERENTIATION TIMING IN GRAPEVINE BUDS. Supervision by: Dr. Etti Or and Prof. Shimon Lavee.
- 2005 – 2011 Ph.D. in plant Sciences. At The faculty of agriculture, food and environment. Title of thesis: Characterization of Bud and Inflorescence Development in Table Grapes. Supervision by: Dr. Etti Or and Prof. Shimon Lavee.
Work Experience
- 2011 - present Research Scientist at the Northern Agriculture R&D- Migal
- Development of tools in order to minimize the expression of the GLRaV-3 virus as a means to decrease its effect on fruit load and wine quality
- Examination of imported clones from leading wine grapes species in Israel.
- Development of a DSS for apple trees thinning based on precision agriculture principles
- Identification and development of cianamid substitute for dormancy release in deciduous fruit trees.