Tissue culture
In 1980, at the initiative of Dr. Yair Israeli, the laboratory for reproduction of bananas with tissue culture was developed and established in the Jordan Valley.
The goal was to give the branch professional support in an area considered to be of great importance for the future. Yair was joined by Dalia Ben Bassat to assist him, and subsequently by additional staff.
The achievements made in reproduction of bananas were beyond expectations. A demand was created in the world for the unique knowledge we developed, which included a combination of lab reproduction with nursery planting, raising the plants, and using them in the field.
At the end of the eighties the lab was expanded and began dealing in reproduction of dates in culture. The main variety we develop is the Medjool. Other varieties developed in the lab are: Argamani, Deglet Noor, Barhi, males, and more.
In recent years, the lab has been active in additional areas as well:
- Quarantine for import of new crops to Israel, with approval by Plant Protection.
- Partnership in research for gene editing in bananas.
- Cleaning from viruses and disease in a variety of crops.
- Maintaining banks for breeders.
- Breeding of clean material for mother plants.
- Breeding of additional crops such as blueberries, vanilla, cannas, and more.
Our activities
Breeding date varieties
The lab specializes in breeding dates of the Medjool variety, and deals in other varieties as well: Argamani, Deglet Noor, Barhi, males, and more.
The lab has a unique breeding protocol for breeding dates from inflorescences.
Quarantine for import of new crops to Israel
The lab is certified by the Plant Protection and Inspection Services as a quarantine lab for various crops brought to Israel by nurseries and growers. In recent years we have been involved in import of different varieties of bananas, blueberries, and more.
Partnership in research for gene editing in bananas
The lab is party to the preparation of cell suspensions in bananas, as part of the national initiative for the development of banana varieties resistant to fusarium, jointly with MIGAL Galilee Research Institute, Volcani Center, and The Weizmann Institute.
Disinfection from viruses and disease
The lab deals in disinfection of mother plants from viruses and disease in a variety of crops. This assists greatly in enhancing agricultural results at various stages of growth.
Maintaining banks for breeders
We keep a backup bank for growers and breeder in various crops, such as tomatoes, blueberries, bananas, and more.
Breeding of clean material for mother plants
Breeding clean plant material in various crops such as cannas, garlic, etc. enables obtaining good growth results over a relatively long period of time.
