RESOURCES OF USEFUL PLANTS IN ISRAEL

Article language

українська

Print date

11.09.25

Date posted online

11.11.2025

Institution

Yuriev Plant Production Institute of NAAS

Bibliography

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Section

INTRODUCTION

Abstract

Aim. To familiarise plant genetic resources specialists and plant breeders with the genetic diversity of cultivated and related wild plant species in Israel and the experience of conservation, use and study of this diversity. 

Results and Discussion. Despite the small size of the country and extreme natural and social conditions for agriculture in most of its territory, thanks to the mobilisation of creative scientific and technological potential and the active participation of the general public, Israel has taken a leading position in the world in scientific research, including modern breeding methods, technologies for growing and processing crops, the use of moisture and other natural resources, etc. All of this is the basis for significant achievements in crop production, which is the basis of the country's economic and social well-being. 70 % of all scientific research in the field of agriculture in Israel is carried out at the Avigdor Volcani Agricultural Research Organisation (Volcani Centre), located in the village of Beit Dagan near the city of Rishon LeZion. The Centre unites seven research institutes working in the areas of agricultural engineering, animal husbandry, field crops, horticulture, plant protection, soil science and hydrology, and agricultural processing and storage technologies. The Centre has established the Israeli Genetic Seed Bank, whose collections include 30,000 samples of 2,070 plant species from more than 150 countries of all five continents. The article presents the variety of crops that are most important in Israel: cereals, legumes, vegetables, fruits, grapes, flowers, forests and, for cereals, related wild species; the peculiarities of their consumption. The results of the crops’ breeding that are a priority in the world are presented. Much attention is paid in Israel to preserving natural and creating artificial landscapes to improve people's living conditions. Israel has extensive international scientific, technological, and commercial contacts, in particular in the field of study, conservation, and use of plant genetic resources; it has extensive experience in assisting developing countries in these areas.

Conclusions. Ukraine should cooperate more closely with Israel for the benefit of both peoples, studying and implementing the country's valuable experience on its way to overcoming the consequences of the war and further development.

Keywords

Israel, plant genetic resources, agricultural science, agrotechnology, environmental preservation, crop wild relatives