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.

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.

Ph.D. student

Tial Len Sung (Tial)

Tial studies how the facultative symbiont Rickettsia influences the biology and vector competence of the whitefly Bemisia tabaci. Using microinjection-based transinfection to generate controlled infected and uninfected lines, she examines how symbiont presence affects whitefly development, feeding behavior, host plant preference, and transmission of Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV). Her work integrates behavioral, ecological, and molecular approaches to uncover how microbial symbionts shape insect–plant–virus interactions.

Outside the lab, she enjoys reading books, crocheting, and playing with cats.

Ph.D. 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.