Dr Yonatan Elkind

Dr Yonatan Elkind

Genetically enhanced hybrid capsicum varieties from Israel that can be grown with minimal protection in moderate winter conditions have achieved worldwide commercial success.

The robust capsicum varieties were developed by a research team headed by Yonatan Elkind of the Robert H. Smith Institute of Plant Sciences & Genetics in Agriculture at the Hebrew University of Jersusalem’s Faculty of Agriculture in Rehovot. The research project was a collaboration with, and financed by, seed-breeder Zeraim Gedera.

The genetic improvements represent a breakthrough in widening the ecological conditions under which capsicum can be grown.

The peppers, in various colours, have been raised to produce high yields under night-time conditions as low as 10°C, which is much lower than previous hybrids that required temperatures higher than 18°C and in need of costly heating during the cultivation process.

The new types are also characterised by a long growing season, resistance to viruses, firm fruit, good storage capacity, long shelf life and low sensitivity to cracking.

The breeding project involved experimenting with 25,000 plants a year grown in the Arava desert in Israel and in southern Spain.

“The new hybrids developed by the faculty team...have been commercialised through Yissum, the Hebrew University’s technology transfer company, and are marketed worldwide by the Zeraim Gedera Seed company,” said Dr Elkind.

In the Arava region alone, 50 per cent of red capsicum seeds used are those developed by the Hebrew University, and have contributed significantly to the profitability of growers in the region. Dr Elkind received a Kaye Innovation Award for inventions with commercial potential from the university for his work.