February 2023

From the Director

Recently, the institute's researchers have received an impressive number of research grants in collaboration with other institutes in very diverse fields. Beyond the access to new funding sources, research collaboration has several advantages including: exchanging ideas between different disciplines, obtaining higher quality results, learning new skills, and finally, enjoying the joint work. At the same time, collaborations can be a source of trouble and discomfort. This can be due to miscommunications, as in the saying, “too many cooks spoil the broth.” Clearly coordinating expectations and carefully dividing the work between the research participants will result in understanding and meaningful results.

I would like to interest you all in a unique program that awards grants for joint research carried out by Ben-Gurion University of the Negev and the University of California, Los Angeles faculty members. The Sol Leshin Program enables cooperation in plant sciences and agriculture. The purpose of the fund is to encourage research collaboration through joint research projects, scholarly exchanges, and intellectual interactions. Some of the institute's researchers have already received research grants from this foundation, and I hope that more researchers will find a partner at UCLA. Now is exactly the time to make new connections so that you can submit a research proposal together with researchers from one of the world’s leading institutions.

In recent years, we have been trying to cultivate a sense of belonging in the institute. Everyone who came to the FAAB Day felt that something special was happening. Add to this the Evenari Symposium that we hold once a year and all the seminars that take place on Wednesdays and, of course, the summer course in sustainable agricultural solutions. This newsletter also contributes to increasing the transparency of the institute’s activities. If you have any ideas for programs or events that will help increase this feeling of community, we will be very happy to hear your suggestions and try to support them.

Best,

Naftali

Manuscript of the Month

Positive selection and heat-response transcriptomes reveal adaptive features of the Brassicaceae desert model, Anastatica hierochuntica.

Gil Eshel*, Nick Duppen*, Guannan Wang, Dong-Ha Oh, Yana Kazachkova, Pawel Herzyk, Anna Amtmann, Michal Gordon, Vered Chalifa-Caspi, Michelle Arland Oscar, Shirli Bar-David, Amy Marshall-Colon, Maheshi Dassanayake and Simon Barak
*These authors contributed equally to this work.

Many plant species (extremophytes) thrive in extreme environments including desert, arctic, and saline ecosystems. To survive in such habitats, extremophytes possess genetic adaptations for tolerating severe abiotic stresses, and understanding these adaptations could aid in identifying targets for molecular breeding to improve crop stress tolerance. One successful strategy for studying extremophytes has been to employ comparative systems biology analyses between the premier plant model, Arabidopsis thaliana (a stress-sensitive species) and its extremophyte relatives (Brassicaceae). Such an approach is exemplified by extensive investigations into the tolerance of halophytic Brassicaceae to ionic and nutrient stresses.
However, the various stresses to which an extremophyte exhibits tolerance reflect the combination of stresses characteristic of each specific habitat. We have therefore been studying Anastatica hierochuntica L. (‘True Rose of Jericho’), a Saharo-Arabian Desert Brassicaceae species which also occupies the uppermost, driest zones of wadies or runnels of the Israeli Negev Desert. We previously demonstrated that A. hierochuntica is highly tolerant to heat and low soil nitrogen, and moderately tolerant to salt stress. In the current study, we generate an A. hierochuntica reference transcriptome and identify extremophyte adaptations by comparing A. thaliana and A. hierochuntica transcriptome responses to heat, and by detecting genes with mutations that have been positively selected during evolution of A. hierochuntica.
We show that the two species exhibit similar transcriptome adjustment in response to heat and that the A. hierochuntica transcriptome does not exist in a constitutive heat ‘stress-ready’ state. Instead, the A. hierochuntica global transcriptome as well as heat-responsive orthologs, display a lower basal and higher heat-induced expression than in A. thaliana. Genes positively selected in multiple extremophytes are associated with stomatal opening, nutrient acquisition, and UV-B induced DNA repair while those unique to A. hierochuntica are consistent with its photoperiod-insensitive, early-flowering phenotype.
We suggest that evolution of a flexible transcriptome confers the ability to quickly react to extreme diurnal temperature fluctuations characteristic of a desert environment while positive selection of genes involved in stress tolerance and early flowering could facilitate an opportunistic desert lifestyle.

Full Article

Projects, Prizes and Fellowships

Israel Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development, Chief Scientist’s Office

Title:Locating new ecotypes and adapted mineral nutrition to increase the winter production and export of Sarcocornia.

Team: Ofer Guy (R&D Ramat Hanegev), Moshe Sagi (BGU), Shabtai Cohen (R&D Ramat Hanegev).

Abstract:

Salicornia (annual) and Sarcocornia (perennial) from the Chenopodiaceae family are classic halophytes that produce optimal biomass of succulent stems under high salinity conditions while saving benign water. The Salicornia product, which includes the Sarcocornia, is accepted in different countries as a fresh, steamed, or pickled vegetable and gourmet food (Ventura et al., 2011a and b; Ventura and Sagi, 2012). Today, growers mainly use the two types of Sarcocornia that we found in the Atlit and the Dead Sea region. Yet, the Sarcocornia accumulates a relatively less exportable yield than the Salicornia during the winter (Ventura et al., 2011a), a period with the highest demand for export. Among the ecotypes we have collected in the northern and southern parts of Israel, we will select Sarcocornia ecotypes with improved performance. Additionally, we will optimize plant nitrogen fertilization to increase exports through increased yield with health-enhancing nutritional characteristics that will encourage demand for the product.

Title: Could this be a win-win system?

Team:Arnon Dag (ARO), Nurit Agam (BGU). The partnering growers are Jojoba Desert of Kibbutz Hazerim, the world’s leading jojoba oil manufacturer and provider, and Kibbutz Magen (1.5 ha plots each); and the partnering photovoltaic company is Shikun & Binui.

Abstract:
AgriVoltaic:combiningphotovoltaic panels in agricultural fields.
We will examine the integration of photovoltaic systems in jojoba plots. The jojoba is a classic crop in the Negev, encompassing large areas, and is thus considered one of the potential candidates for integrating photovoltaic systems in agriculturalareas.We hypothesize that the jojoba grown in the Negev is exposed to excess radiation. Accordingly, by thoughtfully managing the distribution of sunlight between energy production and plant development, we will not only be able not to harm growth andfertility,but we hypothesize that we can even improve the jojoba fruits' quantity and/or quality by providing the plants with shading at the time of day and the season in which they need protection. Finally, we hypothesize that intelligent dual landuse in jojobawill prove to be an effective interface in both the agricultural and energy aspects.

Title: Development of the agro-technique of growing new and improved pitaya cultivars adapted to the climatic conditions in Israel.

Team:Irit Dory, Eshkol Economic Development Company Ltd. (EEDC), Noemi Tel-Zur (BGU); Udi Zurgil (BGU); Joseph Mouyal, Life Sciences (BGU); Yosef Mizrahi, Life Sciences (BGU); and Zipora Tietel (ARO).
Abstract:

Pitaya has exceptional potential as an exotic fruit crop for export. To achieve this goal, a new experimental plot was set up in the Besor area aiming to monitor 18 promising new cultivars and 3 control lines. In this project, we aim to develop the agro-techniques needed to improve fruit quality, prolong the harvesting season and shelf-life, and increase yield in the studied cultivars. In addition, we aim to determine the health value of several outstanding cultivars.

Title: Identify and quantify molds in cannabis inflorescences and prevention of their development during cultivation and storage.

Team: Yaakv Shimshoni (ARO, PI), Davide Kengisbuch (CI), and Tarin Paz Kagan (BGU, CI).

Abstract:

Cannabis sativa L. is used to treat various medical conditions in light of the beneficial pharmacological properties of its cannabinoids and terpenes. Currently, there are no tools or methods to deal with the problem of the development of molds in cannabis during storage, which directly cause considerable losses in the crop. Therefore, the research objectives are the following: (1) We will develop a spectral method that combines machine learning-based analysis for the accurate identification and quantification of molds in medical cannabis, and we will focus on the main mold factors, Alternaria and Botrytis fungi. (2) We will examine the effect of botrytis infection on the concentration of cannabinoids and main terpenes. (3) We will examine the success of the application of hexanoic acid as an innovative and safe treatment to prevent the development of fungal pathogens in the cannabis inflorescences before harvest and its effect on increasing the concentrations of the active ingredients before and after harvest and extending shelf life. Finally, (4) we will examine storage conditions that allow the delay/prevention of the development of molds after picking.

Title: Phenotypic characterization of a major QTL that controls iron absorption potential in peanuts.

Team: Ran Hovav (ARO, PI) and Tarin Paz-Kagan (BGU, Co-CI).

Abstract:

The present study aims to deepen the understanding of genetic control of iron uptake in peanuts as the main trait of phenotypic characterization of a major QTL that controls iron absorption potential. To this end, we produced almost isogenic lines of QTL hybrids through a yellowing markers test. We will test several related aspects: (1) The trait level QTL-return and selection will be repeated using markers for yellowing by a field experiment using phenotypic tools such as remote sensing using a drone and direct examination. (2) Possible biological mechanisms will be examined by comparing structural and physiological properties between the almost isogenic lines. (3) A comparison of the response of the lines to treatment with different iron levels and different chelates in growing in the field and pots will be made to understand the control mechanism. (4) An examination of candidate genes will be done with the help of information from genotypes and other species and in a model plant.

Title: Application of gibberellin treatments in young and mature avocado trees to improve growth and yield under heat stress conditions.

Team: Vered Irihimovitch (ARO, PI) and Tarin Paz-Kagan (BGU, Co-CI).

Abstract:

A heat wave that lasts several days in May causes a heavy drop of nectar in mature 'Haas' trees, damages the crop, and causes the death of trees in young plantings. Our previous study showed that gibberellin treatment by spraying in winter increased vegetative growth and decreased flowering in young trees. Accordingly, the proposed research aims to establish protocols for applying gibberellin treatments in young and mature 'Haas' avocado trees to improve the trees' ability to deal with heat stress in the spring. This will be done by evaluating the success of the treatments by plant physiology measurements and remote sensing data in young and mature avocado orchards. As part of the research, the ability to evaluate the effects of the treatments using drone imagery was tested and will be expanded in the current study.

Israel Ministry of Innovation, Science & Technology (MOST)

Title: Electrochemical nutrient recovery and disinfection treatment for recirculating aquaculture systems.

Team: Avner Ronen (BGU) and Dina Zilberg (BGU).

Abstract:

Fish production by aquaculture needs to continue growing to supply the increasing demand for seafood, and indeed, aquaculture is the fastest-growing food production sector, thus playing a key role in global food security. To achieve a cost-effective and sustainable aquaculture industry, maintaining a high production rate with low environmental impact is essential. This is possible in sustainably recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) that integrate water treatment to maintain adequate conditions for fish production. Removal of ammonia, which is excreted by fish and is highly toxic at low concentrations, is a key factor in RAS and is conventionally done by several energy-intensive biological steps, i.e., nitrification and denitrification. In these systems, high-valued nitrogen and greenhouse gas are released, causing contamination. We propose a novel electrochemical approach for water treatment in RAS which utilizes electrically conducting membranes (ECMs) to develop an electrochemical RAS (e-RAS) that will enable: recovering the high valued nitrogen as a fertilizer; reducing environmental contamination; providing water disinfection, and reducing energy consumption. In our proposed system, electrically conducting membranes concentrate ammonium ions and electrochemically convert them into ammonia, which is stripped to form a liquid fertilizer.

Goldinger Trust

Title: From aquaculture wastewater to liquid fertilizer – a novel electrochemical approach for water treatment and disinfection in recirculating aquaculture.

Team:Dina Zilberg (BGU) and Avner Ronen (BGU).

Abstract:

We propose to establish an integrated fish culture system using the novel electrochemical approach for water treatment in RAS utilizing electrically conducting membrane (ECM) contactors; i.e., ‘electrochemical RAS’ (e-RAS). The electrochemical treatment will enable to recover the high valued N from excreted ammonia (TAN) as a liquid fertilizer, reduce environmental contamination, provide water disinfection, and reduce the overall energy consumption.

Title: Agro-development of the columnar cactus “Koubo” as an exotic new fruit crop in Israel.

Principal Investigators: Noemi Tel-Zur (BGU).

Abstract:

Koubo is undergoing rapid establishment in the Negev and the Arava as a high-value fruit crop due to its great potential to increase agricultural biodiversity and to promote regional development. As a member of the cactus family, koubo can grow in marginal soils and exhibits five- to sixfold higher water use efficiencies than other fruit crops grown under similar conditions. In the current research project, we propose to: study the vegetative growth and reproduction performance of four new selected lines; develop the knowledge and protocols for the storability of fresh-cut pulp; and complete the determination of the pigment profile in the red-pink peel, aiming to set-up the fundamentals for using koubo peels in the food industries. At the end of the project, we will be able to offer new cultivars with improved productivity and excellent fruit quality, and establish the basis for koubo development in the food industry. This project will create unique opportunities for local farmers and food companies, with the attendant expansion of employment opportunities and improvement of standard of living—all factors that will boost the Negev population’s capacity to cope with the extremely hard dryland conditions.

Title:Improving the production of vitamin B12 by the food grade duckweed Wolffia globosa
Principal Investigators: : Osnat Gillor (BGU), Inna Khozin-Goldberg (BGU).
Abstract:
The overall goal is to develop cultivation protocols for the aquatic plant Wolffia globosa to improve the nutritional value and vitamin B12 production of this potent producer of food ingredients. We are developing an LC-MS -based protocol for B12 quantification. The content and profile of fatty acids will be determined.

Title: Elucidating the link between viticulture practices, grapevine metabolism and the presence of spider mites.
Principal Investigators: Aaron Fait (BGU), Vered Tzin (BGU).
Abstract:
A newly emerged pest is hitting Negev grapevines. We propose to study the mechanisms underlying the interaction between grapevine genetics, the use of imidacloprid (a common pesticide) in the vineyards, and spider mite infestation.

Title:Developing and implementing satellite-based machine learning algorithms for early detection and monitoring of wildfires

Principal Investigators: Arnon Karnieli,(BGU).

Abstract:

Date palms are a valuable cash crop and a healthy fruit, intensively grown in Israel's Jordan and Arava Valleys. However, this sector suffers heavily as ‎the trees are extremely sensitive to pests, with the most severe damage caused by the ‎Rhynchophorus Ferrugineus ("red palm weevil"). The weevil’s larvae damage the trees' ‎vascular system and “eat” the trees from the interior, causing irrevocable damage and severe yield ‎reduction; eventually the trees die, and the investment is lost. Since the larvae are hidden within the ‎inner parts of the stem, identifying them is challenging before severe damage is already a ‎fact.‎ The project goal is to develop a systematic monitoring activity accomplished by advanced machine learning algorithms for early detection of red palm weevil to protect palms' health.

Ministry of Energy

Title: Mapping the bathymetry-topography continuum in the Israeli coastal areas.

Principal Investigators: Arnon Karnieli (BGU).

Abstract:

Gathering information on coastal morphology is a global necessity considering the rising rate of the sea level following climate change. Global forecasts point to the danger of flooding, in general, and particularly to the protection of seashore facilities above and below the average sea level. In Israel, there are also the problems of slippery slopes during earthquakes or tsunamis and the destruction of the coastal cliff from the impact of the sea waves.
The study goal is to use the unique characteristics of the Israeli-French satellite "VENµS" for mapping the topography and bathymetry in a continuous land-sea interface in the Israeli coastal zone.
The VENµS, due to its unique characteristics, i.e., spatial resolution of 4 m, revisit time of one/two days, two identical spectral channels, in the red range, with a time shift of 2.7 seconds, is the best spacecraft system available today for developing and implementing the algorithm required for both bathymetric and topographic mapping.
The deliverables, to be submitted to the Ministry of Environmental Protection and the government company for the protection of coastal cliffs, will be: (1) continuous temporal (day/two days) and spatial (between Ashkelon in the south and Hadera in the north) mapping of coastal stripe topography and bathymetry; (2) the algorithm and relevant models in which it can be later applied.

Meet the student: Aishwarya Ajmera

My name is Aishwarya Ajmera, and I am a master's degree student of N Biogeochemistry in Dr. Ilya Gelfand’s lab.
I come from Rajasthan, a state in Northwest India, which also is considered to be a desert ecosystem. However, my hometown Udaipur is close to the center of the country, with hills surrounding us from all sides. I received my bachelor's and master's degrees in Biotechnology at the Central University of Rajasthan, after which I decided to pursue further research in environmental science. Environmental Biogeochemistry has provided me with an opportunity to undertake field research, which has given me the experience of studying real-time scientific experiments.
My research studies the effects of different greenhouse fertilizer management strategies on greenhouse gas emissions from soil. Ideally, if we can devise a strategy which can reduce the environmental impacts of intensive agriculture without affecting yield per area, it can be scaled to other plant varieties in the same family, and possibly to other plant families as well. We use a laser analyzer to measure soil gases in real time in the field and other analytical experiments to measure N in soil, plants, and fruits. This includes field trips, fresh agricultural produce from the greenhouse, and learning as much as we can about agriculture.
All other research in our lab focuses on N cycling in different soil systems and the corresponding effects on greenhouse gas emissions.
My time apart from lab is spent on travelling and cooking, which includes attending various trips organized by the institute. On the weekends, I chill in the student pub or on the cliffs nearby with other international students from the campus.

ADAMA's visit to the Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research

At the end of December 2022, representatives from ADAMA Ltd. visited the institutes and met with several faculty members who presented the research and activity in the laboratories. ADAMA is a leading global crop protection company, providing solutions to combat weeds, insects, and diseases. The company has research and development (R&D) and manufacturing facilities in various locations worldwide, with two main centers in Israel and China. ADAMA sells its products in approximately 100 countries through 60 subsidiary companies around the world. We hope to collaborate with them in the near future.

The 2nd Annual BGU Research Fest: BGU-FOR

Prof. Aaron Fait and Prof. Dina Zilberg from our institute participated in the recent Research Fest of BGU-FOR Food systems (Jan 2023), One health & Resilience.
Prof. Aaron Fait was invited to give a lecture in the Innovations in Food session on desert wine, presenting his developments in the field in recent years, improving and promoting wine production in the Negev Desert.
Prof. Dina Zilberg participated in the Sprint Lectures section, giving a five-minute TED talk. This was a competitive session where she received the BGU-FOR award for a two-year research grant on developing microalgae-based sustainable feed for aquacultured fish.

The Wolf Prize in Agriculture 2023

The Wolf Prize in Agriculture 2023 has been awarded to Professor Martinus Theodorus “Rien” van Genuchten, The Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, for his groundbreaking work in understanding water flow and predicting contaminant transport in soils.
Prof. van Genuchten, born in Vught, Netherlands, received his early education at the Agricultural U, Wageningen, and his doctorate in the United States, at New Mexico State University. Van Genuchten has had an exemplary and influential career, with numerous collaborations across the globe. He further served as co-editor and deputy editor of nine journals and launched the Vadose Zone Journal, dedicated to the science of the near-surface environment. The vadose zone is the undersaturated portion of the subsurface that lies above the groundwater table. The soil and rock in the vadose zone are not fully saturated with water; that is, the pores within them contain air as well as water. The movement of water within the vadose zone is important to agriculture, contaminant transport, and flood control. It is intensively used for the cultivation of plants, construction of buildings, and disposal of waste, and crucial in determining the amount and quality of groundwater that is available for human use.