Research engineer

Galina Lebedev

Galina's work focuses on analyzing resistance to pesticides among insect pests like whiteflies, aphids, spodoptera as well viruses of tomato (TYLCV) and peppers (PeW, PeY). As part of her work she collaborates with the Jordan Valley R&D Center on protection of plants against viruses. She develops and optimizes molecular and biochemical assays to track resistance mechanisms, contributing to the lab’s efforts in resistance monitoring and sustainable pest management. In addition to supporting research on vector-borne plant pathogens she plays a key role in maintaining essential lab infrastructure and providing technical expertise. After work she enjoys traveling and gardening and of course really loves taking care of animals.

Research engineer

Svetlana Kontsedalov

Svetlana’s work centers on insect pest management and population dynamics, with a strong focus on improving strategies for sustainable pest control in agriculture. She maintains laboratory colonies of key pest species including whiteflies, thrips, and the fall armyworm, supporting both applied and fundamental research. Her expertise includes developing molecular markers for rapid identification of insect pest populations and monitoring insecticide resistance in the field. Svetlana also investigates the population structure and symbiont associations of Bemisia tabaci, particularly the MEAM1 (B) and MED (Q) biotypes, as well as the viruses they transmit in Israel and worldwide. Her work provides essential tools for diagnostics and resistance management, contributing to better-informed control practices.

Postdoc

Dr. Latief Ahmad Wani

His research focuses on unraveling the molecular mechanisms governing the transmission of Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus (TYLCV) and Pepper Whitefly-Borne Vein Yellows Virus (PeWBVYV) by the whitefly (Bemisia tabaci). Dr. Wani investigates how these viruses
manipulate whitefly behavior to enhance their transmission, providing crucial insights into virus-vector-host interactions. Further to disrupt the virus transmission chain, he uses Spray-Induced Gene Silencing (SIGS), an advanced RNAi approach to selectively silence key regulatory genes essential for
whitefly survival across different life stages. He aims to harness this precision-driven approach for a sustainable, eco-friendly pest management system to safeguard global agriculture. During
his spare time, he likes to go for long walks or play cricket.

Postdoc

Dr. Ola Jassar

Ola's research explores the molecular and cellular responses of the carrot psyllid (Bactericera trigonica) to the plant pathogen Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum (CLso). She is particularly interested in how ER stress-related pathways shape these interactions within the psyllid midgut, aiming to unravel the complex dynamics between insect vectors and plant pathogens.  Her work could contribute to the development of alternative, non-chemical disease management strategies designed to disrupt pathogen transmission and mitigate the impact of Liberibacter-associated diseases in agriculture.

Ph.D. student

Ilana Kuzminsky

Focusing on Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) transmission by the whitefly Bemisia tabaci, Ilana investigates how the insect’s immune system responds to viral infection. By identifying key ER stress sensor proteins—ATF6, PERK, and IRE1—she aims to determine whether these pathways influence virus accumulation and transmission. Her work contributes to uncovering potential targets for disrupting TYLCV spread in agricultural systems.

When not studying viruses and whiteflies, she’s busy building the lab’s new website.

M.Sc. student

Benayah Ziny

Since its discovery in 2016, Pepper whitefly-borne vein yellows virus (PeWBVYV) has spread from the Jordan Valley throughout Israel. Our collaborative research, conducted in partnership with Ziv’s lab from the Postharvest Department, the Jordan Valley R&D Center, and the Arava R&D Center, aims to investigate the relationship between infection, fruit discoloration, and the underlying mechanisms. Ultimately, this research may help develop solutions to mitigate fruit loss in one of the country's most widely cultivated crops.

M.Sc. student

Halima Sarsour

Halima’s research focuses on the interaction between Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) and its vector, Bemisia tabaci (the whitefly). Investigating how varying temperatures can impact the virus’s spread and its interaction with the vector Bemisia tabaci . With a particular interest in understanding how climate changes may alter disease dynamics in agricultural systems. 

In her free time, Halima enjoys horse riding, exploring nature, and spending quality time with her family and cats.