Classical and molecular approaches in florogenesis and flowering physiology in geophytes
Geophytes, members of numerous botanical taxa, are of great economic importance and show remarkable diversity in morphology, developmental biology, genetic control and response to the environment. The research of florogenesis and dormancy in geophytes involves a multidisciplinary approach, combining morpho-anatomical analyses with physiological, biochemical and molecular studies. We have shown that changes in the physiology during bulb dormancy correlate with the transition of bound water to free water. Using morpho-anatomical and molecular approaches and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), we studied interrelationships between changes in water status, carbohydrate metabolism and nitrogen reserves in several geophyte species during their transition from dormancy to active growth.
Ornamental Geophytes book, 2012
The enigma of garlic (Allium sativum) sterility has been resolved using physiological and molecular tools, with fertility restoration being achieved. We have shown, for the first time, that environmental manipulation affect floral development and result in fertility restoration in garlic this research enabled a detailed study of seedling development and the evaluation of inherent variations. We have provided a comprehensive account of the ontogenesis of a population of garlic seedlings and their vegetative and reproductive traits, including fertility and male sterility traits to facilitate the breeding promotion. Currently we use genomic tools to study the flowering mechanisms of garlic, as well as evolution of flowering and bulbing traits during garlic domestication.
Peony cut flowers: 30 years of research and new horizons
Herbaceous peony is an ancient medicinal and ornamental crop. In recent decades, peony has gained a new reputation as cut flowers. Despite the popularity of cut peonies, several factors still restrict their production: challenges in mass propagation, a complicated flowering physiology, and postharvest handling. Our basic and applied research in plant physiology contributed to the development of new technologies of peony production and flowering advancement and facilitated creation of Global Peony Chain for successful marketing of this beautiful flower. A new industry of Peony cut flowers, developed in Israel during the last 25 years is constantly supported by my research. Peonies are produced in Israel in 500 ha, and present one of the most profitable ornamental crop.
Development and improvement of technologies for the production of ornamental and edible crops
Results of my work were applied in commercial protocols for propagation and flowering of Allium aschersonianum, A. aflatunense, chives A. schoenoprasum, shallot A. cepa, Tulips, Eremurus, Ornithogalum dubium, Narcissus, Ranunculus and other geophytes. All of these crops are produced commercially in Israel and elsewhere.
Allium ashersonianum
Eremurus
Ranunculus asiaticus
Tulipa
Ranunculus root structure
Narcissus tazetta
Ornithogalum dubium
Market-oriented research in ornamental science
The dynamic floriculture industry is constantly looking for new products, technologies and market niches. Our recent research demonstrates how supply chain principles provide a strategic framework for new research projects, focused collaboratively on plant biology, production technologies and value chains. A new concept of market-oriented research was developed in collaboration with market experts, producers, exporters, regional R&D stations and the extension service. My research on propagation material for early herbaceous perennial crops is based on the comparative advantages of Israeli horticulture – intense plant development during the mild Mediterranean winter, early harvest and export by sea transportation.
