Agricultural Research Organization (ARO)

The Agricultural Research Organization (ARO) was established in 1921. It is the research arm of the Ministry of Agriculture and accounts for over 70% of agricultural research in Israel. It is the largest agricultural research institute in Israel and is considered one of the most prestigious in the world.
The Department of Plant Pathology and Weed Research is dedicated to advancing both the basic and practical understanding of plant diseases and weed management in agriculture. Our team conducts cutting-edge research to unravel the complex interactions between plants, pathogens and weeds, with the aim of developing innovative strategies for disease control and weed suppression. We integrate molecular biology, genomics and biotechnology with field-based studies to identify resistant crop varieties, improve disease diagnostics and enhance sustainable agricultural practices. By bridging basic science with applied solutions, our department plays a critical role in ensuring crop health, improving yields and promoting environmentally friendly farming techniques. The Department of Plant Pathology and Weed Science aims to advance the understanding and management of plant diseases and weeds to ensure sustainable agricultural practices and improve crop quality and productivity.

Role in the project

The Spatial Epidemiology group focuses on the study of the geographical distribution, movement and spread of insects, pathogens and weeds. We use Geographic Information Systems (GIS), data-driven approaches and spatial analysis techniques to model and visualise the distribution of pests at different spatial (field to landscape) and temporal scales. By analysing these patterns, we gain insight into the factors that influence the distribution and movement of pest populations, such as environmental conditions and host availability. Our research helps to develop strategies for managing and mitigating pest populations.

Link

www.SpatialEpidemiologyLab.weebly.com/