Plantell

growth-positive

Israeli startup Plantell is developing genetically modified crops that can signal when they are under stress. The company modifies plants with green-fluorescent protein (GFP), which reacts to the release of free radicals, an early sign of stress in plants, by undergoing a fluorescent change. This technology can help to develop agricultural products that are less harmful to crops. Plantell uses cameras sensitive to fluorescence to screen the crops for signs of stress. The company has already used its fluorescent imaging capabilities in a pilot with the Haifa Group, a global supplier of specialty fertilizers. Plantell has raised capital from its pilot with the Haifa Group and from the ASPER-HUJI Innovate, the Hebrew University’s center for innovation and entrepreneurship.

growth-positive

Researchers at the Hebrew Universitys Faculty of Agriculture have developed a molecular sensor system capable of identifying diseases in plants at early stages. The system, which uses a protein-based sensor, can enter plant cells and identify potential diseases. The researchers used genetic engineering methods to create new strains of potatoes that express special proteins sent to unique areas throughout the plant cell. The protein, which serves as a unique biological sensor, is sent to chloroplasts in the plant cell, where photosynthesis takes place. The researchers also developed an artificial intelligence-based algorithm capable of analyzing fluorescent images and distinguishing between healthy leaves and leaves infected with disease.

growth-positive

Researchers from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have developed a method to detect signs of stress in plants before they become damaged. The method involves introducing molecular bio-sensors into potatoes to monitor stress signals in real-time. The objective is to enable farmers to identify early warning signs of plant stress and take measures to protect their produce. The research could help prevent significant losses and safeguard national food sources. The findings were published in the scientific journal Plant Physiology.