Dr. Tirza Zehavi is a viticulture specialist at MIGAL – Northern R&D, with decades of experience in grapevine research, extension, and applied agricultural science. Her work focuses on improving the resilience and sustainability of grapevine cultivation under the challenging climatic conditions of the Middle East.
Dr. Zehavi’s research integrates plant pathology, horticulture, and field-based innovation, with particular emphasis on disease resistance, alternative crops, and the long-term health of vineyards and deciduous fruit systems. Through close collaboration with growers, researchers, and extension services, her work bridges fundamental research and practical implementation, supporting climate-adapted viticulture and sustainable agricultural development in Israel.
Education
- 1982- BSc. Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Rehovot, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Field of Expertise: Horticulture
- 1989- M.Sc. Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Rehovot, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Field of Expertise: Horticulture
- 2002- Ph.D. Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Rehovot, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Field of Expertise: Plant Pathology
Work Experience
1991–2025. Extension Advisor in Grapevine Cultivation and Horticulture Specialist, Israel Extension Service (Shaham), Ministry of Agriculture.
Current projects
- Hybrid grapevine resistance to downy and powdery mildews in Israel under warm Middle Eastern conditions.
- Deciduous fruit trees and grapevines as alternative crops in Demathophora necatrix
- Diversity, distribution, and status of phytoplasma diseases in Israel.