CURRICULUM VITAE

 

Raphael Abraham Stern                                                                    December 2008  

 

 

PERSONAL

 

Born:                            1951, Israel.

 

Marital status:               Married + 5

 

Army service:               1969-72

 

Home address:             Kibbutz Lavi

                                    Lower Galilee 15267

                                    Israel

                                    Tel.: 04-6799257; Fax:  04-6799299. E-mail: Raffi@migal.org.il

 

Work address:              Migal - Galilee Technology Center

                                    P.O.Box 831

                                    Kiryat Shmona 11016

                                    Israel

                                    Tel.: 04-6953511; Fax: 04-6944980. E-mail: Raffi@migal.org.il

 

UNIVERSITY EDUCATION

 

1975-1977                   B.Sc.  in Agriculture, at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

                                   

1978-1979                   M.Sc. in Horticulture, at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

Title of thesis: “Improving rooting and viability of rooted peach cuttings under mist.”

                                    Supervisors: Profs. A. Gur & A. Altman, Dept. Horticulture.

                                   

1988-1992                   Ph.D. in Horticulture, at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

Title of thesis: “Factors affecting litchi productivity in Israel and development of methods to improve its yields.”

                                    Supervisors: Profs. S. Gazit, J. Kigel & Dr. I. Adato, Dept.

                                    Horticulture.

 

FURTHER STUDIES

 

1993                            Post-Doctoral training scholarship in USA, Puerto Rico & Ecuador. (Baron de Hirsch Fund).

 

1995-1996                   Post- Doctoral Research Associate at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, with Dr. O. Shuseiov.

Research subject: “Isolation and identification of RNase gene from Starking apple.” 

 

 


POSITIONS HELD AND ACADEMIC STATUS

 

1972-1979                   Horticulturist in Kibbutz Lavi orchards.

1979-1987                   Manager of the Kibbutz Lavi orchards (avocado, pears, olives, litchi and grapes), and participated in experimental projects with researchers from the Volcani Center, ARO, on plant protection, dormancy break, olive harvesting machinery, irrigation, fertilization and pruning.

1982 to date                 Established and managed experimental plots of mango, litchi macadamia and fejoa at Kibbutz Lavi together with the Horticultural Department of Volcani Center (ARO).

1982-1992                   Member in the Regional Boards for Pear and Avocado.

1984-1994                   Member in the National Board for Pears.

1989-1998                   Member in the National Litchi Board, as expert on litchi in Israel.

1997 to date                 Member in a steering committee for Matityahu Research Station, Nomination by the Volcani Center (ARO).

1998-2001                   Member of scientific management in the Bureau of Chief Scientist in the Ministry of Agriculture for litchi and mango.

2000 to date                 Member of scientific management in the Bureau of Chief Scientist in the Ministry of Agriculture for Israeli biblical fruits (grape, fig, olive, pomegranate, date and almond).

1988-1992                   Research Assistant in the Department of Horticulture of the Faculty of Agriculture in Rehovot.

1993                            Scientist at MIGAL

1993 to date                 Regional Researcher (deciduous and litchi) for north of Israel                                    at MIGAL and Northern R&D.

2000 to 2004               Senior Scientist (Grade B) at MIGAL [Senior lecturer]

2004 to 2008               Associate Principal Scientist (Grade A) at MIGAL [Associate Prof.]

2008 to date                 Principal Scientist (Grade A+) at MIGAL [Professor]

2008 to date                 Member of Scientific Management in the Bureau of chief scientist in the Ministry of Agriculture for "Global Worming".

2008 to date                 Member of Scientific Management in the Bureau of chief scientist in the Ministry of Agriculture for "Colony Collapse Disorder" (CCD).

 

 

SPECIAL INVITATIONS

1996-                           Invited by Spanish Ministry of Agriculture as advisor on                                            cultivation of litchi (South Spain).

1998- (Summer)            Invited by Chinese Ministry Foreign Experts as advisor on litchi cultivation (Guangxi Province).

1999- (Summer)            Invited by Chinese Ministry Foreign Experts as advisor on litchi cultivation (Guangxi Province).

2000- (Summer)          Invited by Chinese Ministry Foreign Experts as advisor on litchi cultivation (Guangxi Province).

 

PROFESSIONAL STUDY TOURS 

1998- (Summer)         Professional tour to study the Pear Industry (Cultivation and Research) in Spain (Larida/Barcelona).

1999- (Summer)         Professional tour to study the Pear and Apple research in Bolonga University (Italy), INRA research station at Angers (France) and CTIFL station at Bordoux (France).

2001- (Winter)             Professional tour to study the New Zealand R&D systems in deciduous. 

2003- (Summer)            Professional tour to study the Pear research and industry in Portugal and Italy.

2004- (Winter)             Professional tour to study the lychee research and industry in South Africa.

2004- (Summer)            Professional tour to study the peach research and industry in south Italy.

2005- (Summer)             Professional tour to study the cherry research and industry in Turkey.

2006- (Winter)             Professional tour to study the Chile R&D systems in deciduous. 

 

TEACHING AND TRAINING EXPERIENCE

Lecturer, basic course on “Plant bioregulators: Principle and Applications”, at the Extension Service of the Ministry of Agriculture (1998, 1999).

Lecturer, Annual Meetings on “Pollination in Agricultural Crops” at the Volcani Center (1993 – lychee, 1995 – lychee, 1998 – apple, 2007 – deciduous).

Lecturer, Annual Meetings on “Lychee Productivity”, at the Extension Service of the Ministry of Agriculture (1990-2000).

 Lecturer, Annual Meetings on “Apple and Pear Cultivation”, at the Extension Service of the Ministry of Agriculture (1997 to date).

Lecturer, Undergraduate course on Botany (Course # 1021204) at Tel-Hai Academic College (Biotechnology Sciences) from 2003 to date.

Lecturer, on Botany in a course for wine industry (Cellar Master) and olive oil industry at Tel-Hai Academic College from 2004 to date.

Students: Arnon Dag, Post-Doctoral stage (1999-2000); Doron Schneider, PhD (1998-2002); Gal Sapir, Msc (2001-2002) and PhD (2003-2007); Anat Zisovich, MSc (with excellence 2002-2003) and PhD (2007-     ), Amir Raz, MSc (2005-2007) and PhD (2007-   ).

Secondary School Students: About 15 research studies (Final Projects) at the Sde-Eliyahu Regional School (Bet Shean Vally) and at schools in the Upper Galilee through the Association for the Advancement of Science Education in Galilee.

 

PRIZES / AWARDS

2008:            10,000$ from the JCA charitable foundation for outstanding contribution to the development by unique, innovation and entrepreneurial projects (pollination and fertilization in Deciduous fruit).


PARTICIPATION IN INTERNATIONAL SEMINARS/MEETINGS

1992            International Congress on Horticulture (ASHS), Hawaii, USA.

1992            International Symposium on Orchard and Plantation System, Israel.

1995            International Congress on Avocado.  Israel.

1996            International Congress on Mango.  Israel.

2000    International Symposium on litchi and longan, Guangzhou, China.

2000    International Symposium on pear growing, Bologna, Italy.

2002             International Congress on Horticulture (26th), Toronto, Canada.

2004            International Symposium on pear growing, Stellenbosch, South Africa.

2005            International Symposium on cherry growing, Bursa, Turkey.

2006             International Symposium on kiwifruit growing, Rotorua, New Zealand.

2006             International Congress on Horticulture (27th), Seoul, Korea

2007            International Symposium on pear growing, Peniche, Portugal.

2007            International “Brainstorm” on fruit and vegetable for Africa, Nairobi, Kenya.

2008            International Symposium on rootstock physiology, Geneva, N.Y. USA.

 

MEMBER OF THE SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE FOR INTERNATIONAL SEMINARS
2007            international symposium on pear growing, Peniche, Portugal

 

MEMBERSHIP IN INTERNATIONAL SOCIETIES

1991 to date             American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS).

1992 to date             International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS).

 

EDITORIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

1995 to date            Reviewer of manuscripts for international refereed journals on Plant Science: Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science, HortScience, Journal of Horticultural Science and Biotechnology, Scientia Horticulturae, Australian Journal of Agricultural Research, Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture, Brazilian Journal of Plant Physiology, New Zealand Journal of Crop and Horticultural Science, Horticultural Reviews, Plant Cell Reports, Agricultural Water Management, Alon Hanotea.


1997 to date    Reviewer for granting agencies:

1. US-IS Binational Agricultural Research and Development Fund (BARD).

2. Israel Ministry of Agriculture.

3. Israel Ministry of Science.

 

RESEARCH COMPETITIVE GRANTS

1988-   Chief Scientist of the Ministry of Agriculture.

            Title: Factors affecting litchi productivity.

Budget: 40,000 $/ year; 3 years, with S. Gazit as P.I. Researcher’s part: 30,000$/ year.

1991-   Chief Scientist of the Ministry of Agriculture.

            Title: Factors affecting litchi productivity.

Budget: 40,000 $/ year; 3 years, with S. Gazit as P.I. Researcher’s part: 30,000$/ year.

1993-   Chief Scientist of the Ministry of Agriculture.

            Title: Factors affecting litchi productivity.

Budget: 35,000 $/ year; 3 years, with S. Gazit as P.I. Researcher’s part: 35,000$/ year.

1994-   Chief Scientist of the Ministry of Agriculture.

            Title: Litchi fertility.

            Budget: 18,000$/ year; 1 year, P.I. Researcher’s part: 18,000$.

1995-   Chief Scientist of the Ministry of Agriculture.

            Title: Autumnal water stress in litchi.

            Budget: 30,000$/ year; 3 years, P.I. Researcher’s part: 24,000$/ year.

1996-   Chief Scientist of the Ministry of Agriculture.

            Title: Factors affecting litchi productivity.

Budget: 30,000 $/ year; 3 years, with S. Gazit as P.I. Researcher’s part: 30,000$/ year.

1998-   Chief Scientist of the Ministry of Agriculture.

Title: Reduction of biennial bearing and improving the productivity of the apple Red-Delicious.

Budget: 38,000$/ year; 3 years, with A. Erez as P.I. Researcher’s part: 25,000$/ year.


1999- Chief Scientist of the Ministry of Agriculture.

Title: Improving fruit size of apple and pear.

Budget: 50,000$/ year; 3 years, P.I. Researcher’s part: 35,000$/ year.

1999-   The Ministry of Science and Technology of Israel.

            Title: Identification of better pollenizers for Starking Delicious apple.

            Budget: 40,000$/ year; 3 years, P.I. Researcher’s part: 40,000$/ year.

1999- Chief Scientist of the Ministry of Agriculture.

Title: New rootstocks and varieties for pears.

Budget: 35,000$/ year; 3 years, P.I. Researcher’s part: 35,000$/ year.

2000- Chief Scientist of the Ministry of Agriculture.

Title: Searching for the best pollenizer for Starking Delicious yield.

Budget: 40,000$/ year; 3 years, P.I. Researcher’s part: 40,000$/ year.

2000- Chief Scientist of the Ministry of Agriculture.

Title: Raising yield and fruit size in litchi and bringing ripening forward by advancing blossoming, improving fruit set and reducing drop.

Budget: 22,000$/ year; 3 years, with I. Adato as P.I. Researcher’s part: 10,000$/ year.

2001- Chief Scientist of the Ministry of Agriculture.

Title: Increasing yield of Japanese plum in Israel by determining genetic fit between male and female varieties by molecular techniques.

Budget: 35,000$/ year; 3 years, P.I. Researcher’s part: 35,000$/ year.

2001-   Chief Scientist of the Ministry of Agriculture.

Title: The effect of post harvest irrigation rate on autumnal flowering in pear and tree performance in the following year.

Budget: 22,000$/ year; 3 years, with A. Naor as P.I. Researcher’s part: 5,000$/ year.

2001-  Chief Scientist of the Ministry of Agriculture.

Title: Improving water absorption capacity of deciduous trees grown on heavy soils by changing irrigation regime and improving soil structure.

Budget: 25,000$/ year; 3 years, with A. Naor as P.I. Researcher’s part: 5,000$/ year.

2002-  Chief Scientist of the Ministry of Agriculture.

Title: Increasing yield of pear by improving cross-pollination and determining genetic compatibility between varieties.

Budget: 28,000$/ year; 3 years, P.I. Researcher’s part: 24,000$/ year.

2002-  Chief Scientist of the Ministry of Agriculture.

Title: Improving fruit size of apple and Japanese plum.

Budget: 30,000$/ year; 3 years, P.I. Researcher’s part: 25,000$/ year.

2002-  Chief Scientist of the Ministry of Agriculture.

Title: New rootstocks and varieties for pears.

Budget: 25,000$/ year; 3 years, P.I. Researcher’s part: 25,000$/ year.

2002-  Chief Scientist of the Ministry of Agriculture.

Title: Assessment of the color-net technology for improve productivity and fruit quality in apple.

Budget: 30,000$/ year; 2 years, with Y. Shahak as P.I. Researcher’s part: 7,000$/ year.

2003-  Chief Scientist of the Ministry of Agriculture.

Title: Improving size of apricot and cherry.

Budget: 30,000$/ year; 3 years, P.I. Researcher’s part: 30,000$/ year.

2003-  Chief Scientist of the Ministry of Agriculture.

Title: The effect of shade nets on water consumption, fruit quality and microclimate in apple orchards.

Budget: 30,000$/ year; 3 years, with J. Tanny as P.I. Researcher’s part: 5000$/  year.

2004-   Chief Scientist of the Ministry of Agriculture.

Title: Increasing yield of Japanese plum in Israel by improving pollination and fertilization and by determining genetic fit between male and female varieties.

Budget: 25,000$/ year; 2 years, P.I. Researcher’s part: 25,000$/ year.

2004-   Chief Scientist of the Ministry of Agriculture.

Title: Assessment of the color-net technology to improve productivity and fruit quality in apple.

Budget: 25,000$/ year; 3 years, with Y. Shahak as P.I. Researcher’s part: 5,000$/ year.

2005-   Chief Scientist of the Ministry of Agriculture.

Title: Development of alternative methods for hand thinning of peach and nectarine in order to reduce costs and to improve export potential.

Budget: 20,000$/ year; 3 years, P.I. Researcher’s part: 20,000$/ year.


2005-   Chief Scientist of the Ministry of Agriculture.

Title: Assessment of color-net technology to improve productivity and fruit quality in pears.

Budget: 30,000$/ year; 3 years, with Y. Shahak as P.I. Researcher’s part: 7,000$/ year.

2006-   ICA.

Title: Using microbiology technologies for overcoming fertility and quality constrains in deciduous tree plantation in northern Israel.

Budget: 100,000$/ year; 3 years, P.I. Researcher’s part: 40,000$/ year.

2006-   Chief Scientist of the Ministry of Agriculture.

Title: Using Methyl Jasmonate as a means for improving red color in apple.

Budget: 25,000$/ year; 3 years with Y. Cohen as P.I. Researcher’s part: 7,000$/ year.

2006-   Chief Scientist of the Ministry of Agriculture.

Title: Increasing yield of Japanese plum and apricot, by improving pollination and fertilization and by determining genetic fit between male and female varieties.

Budget: 20,000$/ year; 3 years, P.I. Researcher’s part: 20,000$/ year.

2006-   Chief Scientist of the Ministry of Agriculture.

Title: Increasing fertility and fruit size of ‘Spadona’ pear by controlling the vegetative growth.

            Budget: 20,000$/ year; 3 years, P.I. Researcher’s part: 20,000$/ year.

2006-   Market oriented R&D.

Title: Development of new methods for increasing the export potential of stone fruit.

Budget: 100,000$/ year; 2 years, with M. Flaishman as P.I. Researcher’s part: 10,000$/ year.

2007-   Chief Scientist of the Ministry of Agriculture.

Title: Increasing fertility and fruit size of ‘Spadona’ and ‘Coscia’ pear by improving pollination and fertilization with better pollinators (Bumble bee) and pollenizers (new cultivars).

Budget: 20,000$/ year; 3 years, P.I. Researcher’s part: 20,000$/ year.


2007-   Fruit Grower Association.

Title: Development of alternative methods for hand thinning of cherry in order to increase fruit size and reduce costs.

Budget: 10,000$/ year; 3 years, P.I. Researcher’s part: 10,000$/ year.

2008 -  Chief Scientist of the Ministry of Agriculture.

Title: Development of alternative methods for hand thinning of Japanese plum and apricot in order to increase fruit size and reduce costs.

Budget: 25,000$/ year; 3 years, P.I. Researcher’s part: 25,000$/ year.

2009 -  Chief Scientist of the Ministry of Agriculture.

Title: Response of Deciduous orchards to multiple season severe water stress – physiology, horticultural and practical implications.   

Budget: 80,000$/ year; 3 years, with A. Naor as P.I. Researcher’s part: 15,000$/ year.

2009 -  Chief Scientist of the Ministry of Agriculture.

Title: Development of alternative methods for hand thinning of cherry in order to increase fruit size and reduce costs.

Budget: 40,000$/ year; 3 years, P.I. Researcher’s part: 40,000$/ year.

 

 


LIST OF PUBLICATIONS

 

ARTICLES IN REVIEWED JOURNALS

 

1.      Gur, A., Altman, A., Stern, R.A. and Wolowitz, B. 1986.  Improving rooting and survival of softwood peach cuttings. Scientia Hort. 30: 97-108.

  1. Gur, A., Altman, A., Stern, R.A., Sigler, T. and Wolowitz, B. 1987. Interaction between myo-inositol and cytokinins: their basipetal transport and effect on peach roots. Physiol. Plants 69: 633-638.
  2. Stern, R.A., Adato, I., Goren, M., Eisenstein, D. and Gazit, S. 1993. Effect of autumnal water stress on litchi flowering and yield in Israel. Scientia. Hort.  54: 295-302.
  3. Stern, R.A., Gazit, S., El Batsri, R. and Degani, C. 1993. Pollen parent effect on outcrossing rate, yield and fruit characteristics of “Floridian” and “Mauritius” lychee. J. Am. Soc. Hort. Sci. 118: 109-114.
  4. Stern, R.A., Kigel, J., Tomer, E. and Gazit, S. 1995. Mauritius lychee fruit development and reduced abscission after treatment with auxin 2,4,5,-TP.  J. Am. Soc. Hort. Sci. 120: 65-70.
  5. Degani, C., Stern, R.A., El Batsri, R. and Gazit, S. 1995.  Pollen parent effect on the selective abscission of Mauritius and Floridian lychee fruits. J. Am. Soc. Hort. Sci. 120: 523-526.
  6. Stern, R.A. and Gazit, S. 1996. Lychee pollination by the honeybee. J. Am. Soc. Hort. Sci. 121:152-157.
  7. Stern, R.A., Eisenstein, D., Voet, H. and Gazit, S. 1996.  Anatomical structure of two day old litchi ovules in relation to fruit set and yield. J. Hort. Sci. 71: 661-671.
  8. Stern, R.A., Eisenstein, D., Voet, H. and Gazit, S. 1997.  Female Mauritius litchi flowers are not fully mature at anthesis. J. Hort. Sci. 72: 19-25.
  9. Stern, R.A., Nadler, M. and Gazit, S. 1997.  Floridian litchi yield is increased by 2,4,5-TP spray.  J. Hort. Sci. 72: 609-615.
  10. Stern, R.A. and Gazit, S. 1997.  Effect of 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridil-oxyacetic acid on fruit set, abscission and yield of Mauritius litchi.  J. Hort. Sci. 72: 659-663.
  11. Stern, R.A. and Gazit, S. 1998. Pollen viability in lychee. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 123: 41-46.
  12. Stern, R.A., Meron, M., Naor, A., Wallach, R., Bravdo, B. and Gazit, S. 1998.  Effect of fall irrigation level in Mauritius and Floridian lychee on soil and plant water status, flowering intensity and yield.  J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 123: 150-155.
  13. Stern, R.A. and Gazit, S. 1999. The synthetic auxin 3, 5, 6 - TPA reduces fruit drop and increases yield in ‘Kaimana’ litchi. J. Hort. Sci. and Biotec. 74: 203-205.
  14. Goldway, M., Shai, O., Yehuda, H., Matityahu, A. and Stern, R.A. 1999. ‘Jonathan’ apple is a lower-potency pollenizer of ‘Topred’ than ‘Golden Delicious’ due to partial S-allele incompatibility. J. Hort. Sci. and Biotech. 74: 381-385.
  15. Stern, R.A., Stern, D., Harpaz, M. and Gazit, S. 2000. Applications of 2,4,5-TP, 3,5,6-TPA and combinations thereof increases lychee fruit size and yield. HortScience, 35: 661-664.
  16. Stern, R.A. and Gazit, S. 2000. Application of the polyamine putrescin increased yield of ‘Mauritius’ litchi (litchi chinensis Sonn.) J. Hort. Sci. and Biotech. 75: 612-614.
  17. Naor, A., Peres, M., Greenblat, Y., Doron, I., Gal, Y. and Stern, R.A. 2000. Irrigation and crop load interactions in relation to pear yield and fruit size distribution. J. Hort. Sci. Biotech. 75: 555-561.
  18. Flaishman, M., Shargal, A. and Stern, R.A. 2001. The synthetic cytokinin CPPU increased fruit size and yield of ‘Spadona’ and ‘Coscia’ pears (Pyrus communis L.).  J. Hort. Sci. Biotech. 76: 145-149.
  19. Flaishman, M., Shargal, A., Stern, R.A., Doron, I., Grinblat, Y. and Zilberstein, M. 2001. The synthetic cytokinin CPPU increased fruit size and yield of ‘Spadona’ and ‘Coscia’ pears (Pyrus communis L.). Alon Hanotea 55: 50-54. (in Hebrew)

21.  Stern, R.A., Dag, A. and Eisikowitch, D. 2001. Sequential introduction of honeybee colonies and doubling their density increases cross-pollination, fruit set and yield in ‘Red Delicious’ apple. J. Hort. Sci. Biotech. 76: 17-23.

  1. Schneider, D., Stern, R.A., Eisikowitch, D. and Goldway, M. 2001. Analysis of S-allele by PCR for determination of compatibility in the Red Delicious apple orchard. J. Hort. Sci. and Biotech. 76: 596-600.
  2. Schneider, D., Stern, R.A., Eisikowitch, D. and Goldway, M. 2001. Determination of the self fertilization potency of Golden Delicious apple. J. Hort. Sci. and Biotech. 76: 259-263.
  3. Schneider, D., Stern, R.A., Eisikowitch, D. and Goldway, M. 2002. The relationship between floral structure and honeybee pollination efficiency in Jonathan and Topred apple cultivars. J. Hort. Sci. and Biotech. 77: 48-51.
25.  Stern R. A., Shargal, A. and Flaishman, M. A. 2003. Thidiazuron increases fruit size of ‘Spadona’ and ‘Coscia’ pear (Pyrus communis L.). J. Hort. Sci. and Biotech. 78: 51-55.
26.  Stern R. A. and Flaishman, M. A. 2003. Benzyladenine effects on fruit size, fruit thinning and return yield of ‘Spadona’ and ‘Coscia’ pear. Scientia Hort. 98: 499-504.
  1. Stern R. A., Ben-Arie, R., Neria, O. and Flaishman, M. A. 2003. CPPU and BA increases fruit size of ‘Royal Gala’ (Malus domestica) apple in a warm climate. J. Hort. Sci. and Biotech. 78: 297-302.
28.  Stern, R.A., Naor, A., Bar, N. Gazit, S. and Bravdo, B. 2003. Xylem-sap Zeatin-Riboside and Dihydrozeatin-riboside levels in relation to plant and soil water status and flowering in ‘Mauritius’ litchi. Scientia Hort. 98: 285-291.
29.  Naor, A., Flaishman, M., Stern, R.A., Moshe, A. and Erez, A. 2003. Temperature effects on dormancy completion of vegetative buds in apple. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 128: 636-641. 
30.  Sapir, G., Stern, R.A., Eisikowitch, D. and Goldway, M. 2004. Cloning of four new Japanese plum S-alleles and determination of the compatibility between cultivars by PCR analysis. J. Hort. Sci. and Biotech. 79: 223-227.
31.  Zisovich, A.H., Stern, R.A., Shafir, S. and Goldway, M. 2004. Identification of seven S-alleles from the European pear (Pyrus communis) and determination of compatibility among cultivars. J. Hort. Sci. and Biotech. 79: 101-106.

 


 

32.  Zisovich, A.H., Stern, R.A., Sapir, G., Shafir, S. and Goldway, M. 2004. The RHV region of S-RNase in the European pear (Pyrus communis) is not required for the determination of specific pollen rejection. Sexual Plant Reproduction 17: 151-156.
33.  Schneider, D., Eisikowitch, D., Goldway, M. and Stern, R.A. 2004. A comparative study of the superior fertility of ‘Smoothy Golden Delicious’ apple J. Hort. Sci. and Biotech. 79: 596-601.
34.   Stern, R. A., Goldway, M., Zisovich, A., Shafir, S. and Dag, A. 2004. Sequential introduction of honeybee colonies increases cross-pollination, fruit-set and yield of ‘Spadona’ pear (Pyrus communis L.). J. Hort. Sci. and Biotech. 79: 652-658.
35.  Matityahu, A., Stern R.A., Schneider, D. and Goldway, M. 2005. Molecular identification of a new apple S-RNase –  S-29 – cloned from Anna, a low chilling requirement cultivar. HortScience 40: 850-851.

36.  Zisovich, A.H., Stern, R.A., Shafir, S. and Goldway, M. 2005. Fertilisation efficiency of semi- and fully- compatible European pear (Pyrus communis) cultivars. J. Hort. Sci. and Biotech.80: 143-146.

37.  Schneider, D., Stern, R.A., and Goldway, M. 2005. A comparison between semi- and fully compatible apple pollinators grown under suboptimal conditions. HortScience 40: 1280-1282.

38.  Naor, A., Stern, R.A., Peres, M., Greenblat, Y., Gal, Y. and Flaishman, M., 2005. Timing and Severity of post-harvest water-stress affects following year productivity and fruit quality of field-grown ‘Snow-Queen’ nectarine. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 130: 806-812.

39.  Dag, A., Stern, R.A. and Shafir, S. 2005. Honeybee (Apis mellifera) strains differ in apple (Malus domestica) pollen foraging preference. J. Apic. Res. 44: 15-20.

40.  Stern, R.A., Applebaum, S., Ben Arie, R. and Flaishman, M 2006. Cytokinins increase fruit size of ‘Delicious’ and ‘Golden Delicious’ (Malus domestica) apple in warm climate. J. Hort. Sci. and Biotech. 81: 51-56.

41.  Stern, R.A., Nerya, O. and Ben Arie, R. 2006. The cytokinin CPPU delays maturity in litchi cv. ‘Mauritius’ and extends storage-life. J. Hort. Sci. and Biotech. 81: 158-162.

42.  Naor, A., Stern, R.A., Flaishman, M., Gal, Y. and Peres, M. 2006. Effects of post harvest water stress on autumnal bloom and subsequent-season productivity in mid-season Spadona pear. J. Hort. Sci. and Biotech. 81: 365-370.

43.  Shargal, A.,Globovich, S., Yablovich, Z., Slizerman, L.A., Stern, R.A., Grafi, G., Lev-Yadun, S. and Flaishman, M. 2006. Synthetic cytokinins extend the phase of division of parenchyma cell in developing pear (Pyrus communis L.) fruit. J. Hort. Sci. and Biotech. 81: 915-920.

44.  Stern, R.A. and Ben-Arie, R. 2006. Preharvest drop control of ‘Red Delicious’ and ‘Jonathan’ apple (Malus domestica) as affected by the synthetic auxin 3,5,6-TPA. J. Hort. Sci. and Biotech. 81: 943-948.

45.  Stern, R.A., Flaishman, M. and Ben-Arie, R. 2007. Effect of synthetic auxins on fruit size of five cultivars of Japanese plum (Prunus salicina L.). Scientia Hort. 112: 304-309.

46.  Stern, R.A., Flaishman, M. and Ben-Arie, R. 2007. The effect of synthetic auxins on fruit development, quality and final fruit size of ‘Canino’ apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.). J. Hort. Sci. and Biotech. 82: 335-340.

47.  Stern, R.A., Sapir, G., Shafir, S., Dag, A. and Goldway, M. 2007. The appropriate management of honey bee colonies for pollination of Rosaceae fruit trees in warm climates – Invited review. Middle Eastern and Russian Journal of Plant Science and Biotech. 1: 13-19.

48.  Sapir, G., Goldway. M., Shafir, S. and Stern, R.A. 2007. Multiple introduction of honeybee colonies increases cross-pollination, fruit-set and yield of ‘Black-Diamond’ Japanese plum (Prunus salicina Lindl.). J. Hort. Sci. and Biotech. 82: 590-596.

49.  Stern, R.A., Flaishman, M., Applebaum, S. and Ben-Arie, R. 2007. Effect of synthetic auxins on fruit development of ‘Bing’ cherry (Prunus avium L.). Scientia Hort. 114: 275-280.

50.  Stern, R.A., Doron, I. and Ben-Arie, R. 2007. Performance of ‘Coscia’ pear (Pyrus communis) on seven rootstocks in a warm climate. J. Hort. Sci. and Biotech. 82: 798-802.

 

51.  Stern, R.A., Doron, I. and Ben Arie, R. 2007. Plant growth regulators increase the fruit size of ‘Spadona’ and ‘Coscia’ pears (Pyrus communis) in a warm climate. J. Hort. Sci. and Biotech. 82: 803-807.

52.  Sapir, G., Stern R.A., Shafir, S. and Goldway, M. 2007. SFBs of Japanese plum (Prunus salicina): Cloning seven alleles and determining their linkage to the S-RNase gene. HortScience, 42: 1509-1512.

53.  Sapir, G., Stern R.A., Shafir, S. and Goldway, M. 2008. S-RNase based S-genotyping of Japanese plum (Prunus salicina Lindl.) and its implication on the assortment of cultivar – couples in the orchards. Scientia Hort. 118: 8-13.

54.  Sapir, G., Stern R.A., Shafir, S. and Goldway, M. 2008. Full compatibility is superior to semi-compatibility for fruit set in Japanese plum (Prunus salicina Lindl.) cultivars. Scientia Hort. 116: 394-398.

55.  Stern, R.A.and Doron, I. 2009. Performance of ‘Coscia’ pear (Pyrus communis) on nine rootstocks in the north of Israel. Scientia Hort. 119: 252-256.

56.  Raz, A., Stern, R.A., Shafir, S., Bercovich, D. and Goldway, M. 2009. SFB-based S-haplotyping of apricot (Prunus armeniaca) with DHPLC. J. Plant Breeding (in press)

57.  Goldway, M., Takasaki, T., Zisovich, A., Sanzol, J., Mota, M., Stern, R.A. and Sansavini, S. 2009. Renumbering the S-RNase alleles of European pear (Pyrus communis L.) and cloning the S-109 RNase allele. Scientia Hort. (in press)

58.  Zisovich, A., Stern, R.A. and Goldway, M. 2009. The Gametophytic Self-incompatibility System, its impact on pear (Pyrus communis L.), cultivation and the utilization of the wild Syrian pear (Pyrus syriaca) as a “universal pollinator”. Israel Journal of Plant Sciences  (in press)

59.   

 

 

 

 


CHAPTERS IN REVIEWED BOOKS

 

 

Stern, R.A. and Gazit, S. 2000. Reducing Fruit Drop in Lychee with PGRs Spray. In: A.S. Basra (Ed.). Plant Growth Regulators in Agriculture and Horticulture: Their Role and Commercial Uses. Haworth Press, N.Y. pp. 211-222.

 

 Stern, R.A. and Gazit, S. 2003. The Reproductive Biology of the Lychee. In: J. Janick (Ed.). Horticultural Reviews. Vol. 28 (chapter 8). John Wiley and Sons, Inc. Publishing, USA pp. 393-453.

 

Stern, R.A. and Dag, A. 2005. Increasing Yield of ‘Starking’ Apple by Proper Utilization of Beehives. In: M. Reuveni and M. Livneh (Eds.). Advances in the Golan Research: Man and Landscape. Ramot Publishing – Tel Aviv University, Israel. pp. 287-300. (In Hebrew with English summary).

 

Huang, X.M., Subhadrabandhu, S., Mitra, S.K., Ben-Arie, R. and Stern R.A. 2005. Origin, History, Production and Processing. In: C.M. Menzel and G.K. Waite (Eds.). Litchi and Longan: Botany, Cultivation and Uses CABI publishing, Wallingford, U.K. pp. 1-23.

 

Subhadrabandhu, S. and Stern, R.A. 2005. Taxonomy, Botany and Plant Development. In: C.M. Menzel and G.K. Waite (Eds.). Litchi and longan: botany, cultivation and uses CABI publishing, Wallingford, U.K. pp. 25-34.

 

Davenport, T. and Stern, R.A. 2005. Flowering. In: C.M. Menzel and G.K. Waite (Eds.). Litchi and Longan: Botany, Cultivation and Uses CABI publishing, Wallingford, U.K. pp. 87-113.

 

Huang, H. and Stern, R.A. 2005. Fruit set Development and Maturation. In: C.M. Menzel and G.K. Waite (Eds.). Litchi and Longan: Botany, Cultivation and Uses CABI publishing, Wallingford, U.K. pp. 115-140.

 

Goldway, M., Sapir, G. and Stern, R.A. 2007. Molecular Basis and Horticultural Application of the Gametophytic Self-incompatibility System in Rosaceae Tree Fruits. In: J. Janick (Ed.). Plant Breeding Reviews, Vol. 28 (chapter 7) John Wiley and Sons, Inc. Publishing, USA pp. 215-237.

 

Goldway, M., Sapir, G. Raz, A. and Stern, R.A. 2009. The Molecular Understanding of the S-RNase – Mediated Gametophitic Self-Incompatibility System and its Impact on the Cultivation of Rosaceae Fruit Trees. In: A. Hemantaranjan (Ed.) Advances in Plant Physiology, Vol. 10: (in press)

 


ENCYCLOPEDIA

 

Stern, R.A. 1997. About 200 values on agriculture, botany and ecology for Aviv Encyclopedia.

 

 

ARTICLES IN REVIEWED PROCEEDINGS

 

  1. Stern, R.A. and Gazit, S.  1993. Autumnal water stress checks vegetative growth and increases flowering and yield of litchi. Acta Hort. 349:209-212.
  2. Goldway, M., Schneider, D., Yehuda, H., Matityahu, A., Eisikowitch, D. and Stern R.A. 2001. The effect of apple S-allele compatibility on fruit set levels in non-optimal fertilization conditions. Acta Hort. 561: 231-234.
  3. Stern, R.A., Stern, D., Miller, H., Huafu, X. and Gazit, S. 2001. The effects of the synthetic auxins 2,4,5-TP and 3,5,6-TPA on yield and fruit size of young ‘Fei Zi Xiao’ and ‘Hei Ye’ litchi trees in Guangxi Province, China. Acta Hort. 558: 285-288.
  4. Dag, A. and Stern. R. A. 2001. Sequential introduction and heavy density of beehives increases cross-pollination, fruit-set, and yield in apple. Proc. 37th Intl. Apicultural Congress (28 October – 1 November 2001), Durban, South Africa (Apimondia 2001).
  5. Stern, R.A., Flaishman, M. and Shargal, A. 2002. Effect of the synthetic cytokinin CPPU on fruit size and yield of ‘Spadona’ pear (pyrus communis L.). Acta Hort. 596: 797-801.
  6. Shahak, Y., Gussakovsky, E.E., Cohen, Y., Luria, S., Stern, R.A., Kfir, S., Naor, A., Atzmon, I., Doron, I. and Greenblat-Evron, Y. 2004. ColorNets: a new approach for light manipulation in fruit trees. Acta Hort. 636: 609-616.
  7. Stern, R.A. and Flaishman, M. 2004. Synthetic cytokinins increase fruit size of ‘Royal Gala’ (Malus domestica) apple in Israel. Acta Hort. 636: 557-563.
  8. Stern, R.A., Goren, M. and Gazit, S. 2005. The effect of shoot pruning during the fall and winter on litchi flowering and yield. Acta Hort. 665: 331-335.

 


 

  1. Goldway, M, Zisovich, A., Shafir, S. and Stern, R.A. 2005. Application of S-RNase allele molecular analysis as a mean for elucidating low yields in the pear orchard. Acta Hort. 671: 137-142.
  2. Stern R. A., Dag, A., Zisovich, A., Shafir, S. and Goldway, M. 2005. Increasing the yield of ‘Spadona’ pear (Pyrus communis L.) by appropriate utilization of beehives. Acta Hort. 671:143-150. 
  3. Flaishman, M., Shargal, A., Shilzerman, L., Lev-Yadun, S., Stern. R.A. and Grafi, G. 2005. The synthetic cytokinins CPPU and TDZ prolong the phase of cell division in developing pear (Pyrus communis L.) fruit. Acta Hort. 671: 151-157.
  4. Stern R. A., Applebaum, S., Flaishman, M. and Ben-Arie, R. 2008. Auxins increase fruit size of ‘Bing’ (Prunus avium L.) cherry in a warm climate. Acta Hort.774: 243-249.
  5. Stern R. A. and Ben-Arie, R. 2008. Effect of the synthetic auxin 3,5,6-TPA on preharvest drop, fruit quality and maturation of ‘Delicious’ and ‘Jonathan’ apples. Acta Hort. 774: 251-257.
  6. Shahak, Y., Ratner, K., Gillel, Y.E., Zur, N., Or, E., Gussakovsky, E.E., Stern, R.A., Sarig, P., Raban, E., Harcavi, E., Doron, I. and Greenblat-Evron, Y. 2008. Improving solar energy utilization, production and fruit quality in orchards and vineyards by photoselective netting. Acta Hort. 772: 65-72.
  7. Stern R. A. 2008. Pyrus betulifolia is the best rootstock for the ‘Coscia’ pear in the warm climate of Israel. Acta Hort. 800: 631-638.
  8. Stern R. A. 2008. Increasing fruit size of Spadona and Coscia (Pyrus communis) pears in a warm climate, with plant growth regulators. Acta Hort. 800: 155-162.
  9. Goldway, M., Zisovich, A. Raz, A. and Stern, R.A. 2008. Understanding the gametophytic self-incompatibility system and its impact on European pear (Pyrus communis L.) cultivation. Acta Hort. 800: 109-117.
  10.  Stern R. A. and Doron, I. 2009. Performance of 'Coscia' pear (Pyrus communis) on nine rootstocks in the north of Israel. Acta Hort. (in press)

 

 

 

 

ARTICLES IN NON-REVIEWED JOURNALS

 

  1. Stern, R.,  Adato, I. and Gazit, S. 1990. Autumnal water stress as means of increasing flowering and improving fertility of young litchi trees. Alon Hanotea 44:391-394 (Hebrew).
  2. Stern, R.,  Adato, I. and Gazit, S. 1991. Autumnal water stress as means of increasing flowering and improving fertility of mature litchi trees. Alon Hanotea 45:933-937 (Hebrew).
  3. Stern, R.,  Adato, I., Goren, M., Eisenstein, D. and Gazit, S. 1992. Autumnal water stress in litchi: an effective method of increasing flowering intensity and yield - a summation of three years’ experiments. Alon Hanotea 46:589-596 (Hebrew).
  4. Stern, R.A., Tomer, E., Eisenstein, D. and Gazit, S. 1992. Development and abscission of “Mauritius” litchi fruits and development of a new method to decrease abscission. Alon Hanotea 46:453-469 (Hebrew).
  5. Stern, R.A., Kigel, J. and Gazit, S. 1993. Pollen viability in two pollen-releasing litchi flower types. Alon Hanotea 47:322-335 (Hebrew).
  6. Stern, R.A. and Gazit, S. 1993. Pollination of litchi flowers by honeybees: the effect of bee’s attraction to three flower types on the rate of pollination. Alon Hanotea 47:380-394 (Hebrew).
  7. Stern, R.A. 1994. The relationship between the honeybee and litchi flowers. Yalkut Hamichveret, Isr. J. Beekeepers Assoc. 30:16-18 (Hebrew).
  8. Stern, R.A. and Gazit, S. 1994. Experiments with Tipimon for the reduction of fruit drop in “Mauritius” in Kibbutz Lavi. Alon Hanotea 48:160-162 (Hebrew).
  9. Gaffni. E., Stern, R.A. and Harpaz, M. 1995. Recommendation for litchi growers, 1995. Alon Hanotea 49:206-208 (Hebrew).
  10. Stern, R.A., Harpaz, M. and Gazit, S. 1995. Tipimon spray can reduce fruit drop in Mauritius caused by severe hot spell. Alon Hanotea 49:494-495 (Hebrew).
  11. Stern, R.A., Nadler, M. and Gazit, S. 1997. Increasing “Floridian” litchi yield by Tipimon spray. Alon Hanotea 51:156-162 (Hebrew).
  12. Stern, R.A., Naor, A., Meron, M., Wallach, R., Bravdo, B. and Gazit, S. 1997.  Indicators for controlling autumnal water stress in litchi. In: O. Kramer and M. Sneh (eds.), Irrigation Management in the Orchard. pp. 26-45. Israel Ministry of Agriculture (Hebrew).
  13. Dag, A., Stern, R.A. and Doron, I. 1999. Pollination and fruit set in apple. Alon Hanotea 53: 114-116 (Hebrew).
  14. Doron, I., Grinblat, Y. and Stern, R.A. 1999. Improving pear quality in Spain. Alon Hanotea 53: 184-188 (Hebrew).
  15. Stern, R.A., Flaishman, M. and Erez, A. 2000. Growing pears and apples in Italy and France. Alon Hanotea 54: 30-35 (Hebrew).
  16. Schneider, D., Goldway, M., Matityahu, A, Yehuda, H., Eisikowitch, D. and Stern R.A. 2000. The importance of genetic compatibility in the determination of the pollenizer for the ‘Topred’ apple strain and its influence on fertility. Alon Hanotea 54: 144-145 (Hebrew).
  17. Dag, A. Eisikowitch, D. and Stern R.A. 2000. Azinophos-methyl decreases pollination in ‘Red Delicious’ apple. Alon Hanotea 54: 191-193 (Hebrew).
  18. Doron, I., Mashal, H., Bar-Sinai, N. and Stern, R.A. 2000. Increasing fruit size of ‘Bing’ cherry in Alone-Habashan – 1999. . Alon Hanotea 54: 209-219 (Hebrew).
  19. Stern, R.A. and Flaishman, M. 2000. Increasing fruit size of apple. Alon Hanotea 54: 395-360. (Hebrew).
  20. Schneider, D., Eisikowitch, D., Goldway, M., Matityahu, A., Yehuda, H. and Stern, R.A. 2001. The agricultural significance of the low self-fertilization of Golden-Delicious apple. Alon Hanotea 55: 415-416 (Hebrew).
  21. Dag, A. and Stern, R.A. 2001. Sequential introduction of honeybee colonies and doubling their density improve pollination and fruit set in Red Delicious apple.  Alon Hanotea 55: 421-422 (Hebrew).
  22. Dag, A. and Stern, R.A. 2001. Sequential introduction of honeybee colonies and doubling their density improve pollination and fruit set in Red Delicious apple. Yalkut Hamichveret, Isr. J. Beekeepers Assoc. 44:99-102 (Hebrew).
  23. Sapir, G., Stern, R.A., Schneider, D., Zisovich, A., Matityahu, A., Goldway, M., Greenblat-Evron, Y. and Antman, S. 2002. Using molecular technique to characterize genetic compatibility between deferent Japanese plum cultivars. Alon Hanotea 56: 312-313. (Hebrew).
  24. Sapir, G., Stern, R.A., Schneider, D., Zisovich, A., Matityahu, A., Goldway, M., Greenblat-Evron, Y. and Antman, S. 2002. Low activity of honeybees in ‘Red Beaut’ Japanese plum causes poor fertility. Alon Hanotea 56: 314-315. (Hebrew).
  25. Stern, R.A., Radel, G., Wallach, A., Doron, I., Havlin, Z. and Nathanzon, T. 2002. New rootstocks and varieties for pear. Alon Hanotea 56: 362-364. (Hebrew).
  26. Naor, A., Peres, M., Greenblat-Evron, Y., Gal, J., Doron, I. and Stern. R.A. 2002. Limitation of water absorption in pears in Israel. Alon Hanotea 56: 365-367. (Hebrew).
  27. Schneider, D., Esikowitch, D., Goldway, M. and Stern, R.A. 2002. The relationship between floral structure and honeybee pollination efficiency in Jonathan and Topred apple cultivars. Alon Hanotea 56: 370-371. (Hebrew).
  28. Dag, A., Esikowitch, D., Stern, R.A., Birger, R., Lin, A. and El-Hadi, F. 2003. Improving fruit set of deciduous trees by means of  bouquet. Alon Hanotea 57: 88-89 (Hebrew).
  29. Dag, A., Doron, I. and Stern, R.A. 2003. Recommendation for pollination and fertilization in apple, pear and plum. Fruits, 118: 7-8 (Hebrew).
  30. Ben-Arie, R., Neria, O., Zvilling, A., Gizis, A., Sharabi-Nov, A., Regev, I. and Stern R.A. 2003. Delaying litchi ripening to extend the harvest and marketing season. Alon Hanotea 57: 318-321 (Hebrew).
  31. Stern, R.A., Goldway, M., Zisovich, A., Shafir, S. and Dag, A. 2003. Preliminary study of sequential introduction of honeybee colonies and increasing their density to improve cross-pollination, fruit set and yield of ‘Spadona’ pear. Alon Hanotea 57: 356-360 (Hebrew).

32.  Zisovich, A., Shafir, S., Goldway, M. and Stern, R.A. 2004. Using molecular technique to characterize genetic compatibility between pear varieties. Alon Hanotea 58: 136-138 (Hebrew).

33.  Zisovich, A., Dag, A., Shafir, S., Goldway, M. and Stern, R.A. 2004. Searching for the best pollenizer for ‘Spadona’ and ‘Coscia’ pear. Alon Hanotea 58: 174-177 (Hebrew).

34.  Stern R.A. and Flaishman, M.A. 2004. Increasing fruit size of Japanese plum by Auxin treatments.  Alon Hanotea 58: 266-268 (Hebrew).

35.  Stern R.A. and Dag, A. 2004. A ballad on apple and honeybee. Yevul Si 8: 48-49 (Hebrew).

36.  Stern R.A., Doron I., Agiv, M. and Ogni, Y. 2004. Pre-harvest fruit drop prevention of ‘Starking’ apple by using tipimon substitutes. Alon Hanotea 58: 353-355 (Hebrew).

37.  Shahak, Y., Gussakovsky, E., Cohen, Y., Stern, R.A., Kfir, S., Naor, A., Greenblat-Evron, Y., Doron, I., Askira, I. and Peres, M. 2004. ColorNets in apple and pears: a new agrotechnology for old crops. Alon Hanotea 58: 361-364 (Hebrew).

38.  Stern, R.A., Goldway, M., Schneider, D., Roshansky, E. and Ratner, Y. 2004. Pollination and fertilization in ‘Grani Smith’ apple. Alon Hanotea 58: 365 (Hebrew).

39.  Stern, R.A., Flaishman, M., Agiv, M., Ogni, Y. and Snir, A. 2004. The influence of hand-thinning period and rate on crop load and fruit size distribution of ‘Golden Delicious’ apple. Alon Hanotea 58: 366-368 (Hebrew).

40.  Stern, R.A., Vallach, A. and Kudish, A. 2004. The efficiency of commercial fertilizer planting in between the ‘Starking’ row. Alon Hanotea 58: 369-371 (Hebrew).

41.  Sapir, G., Goldway, M., Greenblat, Y., Shafir, S. and Stern R.A. 2005. Increasing fertility of plum in orchards with semi-compatible pollenizer. Alon Hanotea 59: 33-36 (Hebrew).

42.  Sapir, G., Goldway, M., Greenblat, Y., Shafir, S. and Stern R.A. 2005. Increasing fertility of plum in orchards with fully-compatible pollenizer. Alon Hanotea 59: 136-138 (Hebrew).

  1. Zisovich, A., Goldway, M., Shehori, M., Shafir, S., Holand, D. and Stern, R.A. 2005. Identification of the genetic compatibility between Spadona and Coscia pear and new pear varieties.  Alon Hanotea 59: 183-185 (Hebrew).
  2. Stern, R.A., Goldway, M., Shafir, S. and Sapir, G. 2005. Pollination in plum. Yevul Si 12: 52-53 (Hebrew).
  3. Stern, R.A., Ben-Arie, R., Perlook, H. and Flaishman, M. 2005. Increasing fruit size of Apricot by auxin treatments. Alon Hanotea 59: 157-161 (Hebrew).
  4. Stern, R.A., Agiv, M., Raviv, Z., Greenblat-Evron, Y. 2005. Replacing hand thinning with chemical methods in nectarines. Alon Hanotea 59: 250. (Hebrew).
  5. Stern, R.A., Redel, G., Vollah, A., Agiv, M., Moshe, A., Shemi, N., Levi, M. Doron, I., Natanzon, T., Kopfeld, A., Margalit, B. 2005. Assessment of new rootstock for ‘Spadona’ and ‘Coscia’ pears. Alon Hanotea 59: 330-332 (Hebrew).
  6. Naor, A., Stern, R.A., Flaishman, M., Gal, Y. and Peres, M. 2005. The effect of post-harvest water stress on the autumn blooming phenomena and long-term fertility in ‘Spadona’ pear. Alon Hanotea 59: 333-337. (Hebrew).
  7. Stern, R.A., Agiv, M., Raviv, Z. and Ogni, Y. 2006. Increasing fruit size of ‘Snow-Queen’ nectarin by GA3 treatment during the differentiation period. Alon Hanotea 60: 163-165 (Hebrew)
  8. Stern, R.A., Ben-Arie, R., Flaishman, M., Prilook, H. and Antman, S. 2006. Application of auxins during pit-hardening increases fruit size of ‘Bing’ Cherry. Alon Hanotea 60: 221-223 (Hebrew)
  9. Stern, R.A. and Agiv, M. 2006. Increasing Fruit size of ‘Son-Gold’ Japanese plum by BM-86. Alon Hanotea 60: 180 (Hebrew)
  10. Stern, R.A., Agiv, M., Ogni, Y. and Doron, I. 2006. Increasing fruit size and reducing alternate bearing of ‘Golden Delicious’ apple by the combination of synthetic cytokinins with thinning treatments. Alon Hanotea 60: 250-253 (Hebrew).
  11. Stern, R.A., Zisovich, A., Taube, O., Stern, D., Pleser, Y. and Steinberg, S. 2006. Adding Bumble-bees to honey-bees in the pear orchards improves pollination and fertilization and increase total yield and fruit size. Alon Hanotea 60: 265-268 (Hebrew).
  12. Stern, R.A., Doron, I., Vallach, A., Agiv, M., Roshanski, E. and Ratner, J. 2006. A combination of cytokinins with gibberellins increases fruit size of Spadona pear. Alon Hanotea 60: 273-274 (Hebrew).
  13. Stern, R.A., Agiv, M., Raviv, Z. and Ogni, Y. 2007. Increasing fruit size of ‘Snow-Queen’ nectarin and reducing the cost of hand thinning by hydrogen cyanamide (Dormex/Alzodef) before bloom. Alon Hanotea 61: 460-463. (Hebrew).
  14. Stern, R.A., Agiv, M., Raviv, Z. and Ogni, Y. 2007. Burning nectarines’ flowers by the surfactant ‘Diluete’, reducing crop load and increase fruit size. Alon Hanotea 61: 500-504 (Hebrew).
  15. Stern, R.A. 2008. The appropriate management of honey bee colonies for pollination of pear, apple and Japanese plum. Yalkut Hamichveret, Isr. J. Beekeepers assoc. 48: 66-70 (Hebrew).
  16. Raz, A., Goldway, M., Shafir, S., Rubinstein, M. and Stern, R.A. 2008. The importance of pollenizer for the fertility of  'Early-cot' apricot. Alon Hanotea 62: 152-155 (Hebrew).
  17. Raz, A., Goldway, M., Shafir, S., Appleboum, S, and Stern, R.A. 2008. Assessment the fertility of  'Goldrich' apricot. Alon Hanotea 62: 156-159 (Hebrew).
  18.  Stern, R.A., Flaishman, M., Agiv, M., Redel, G. and Antman, S. 2008. Early ripening and enlargement of fruit size in 'Oded' peach by auxin treatments. Alon Hanotea 62: 250-253 (Hebrew).
  19. Stern, R.A., Agiv, M. and Ogni, Y. 2008. The influence of hand thinning – period and rate – on crop load and fruit size distribution of 'Royal-Gala' apple. Alon Hanotea 62: 348-351 (Hebrew).
  20. Stern, R.A., Agiv, M., Ogni, Y. and Avrahami, R. 2008. Chemical thinning in 'Royal-Gala' apple. Alon Hanotea 62: 471-473 (Hebrew).
  21. Stern, R.A., Raviv, Z., Agiv, M. and Ogni, Y. 2008. Thinning of peach and nectarine. Yevul Si – Special publication of the Northern R&D, 40-42 (Hebrew).
  22.  

 

 


ABSTRACTS PRESENTED AT SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCES

 

  1. Stern, R., Gur, A. and Altman, A. 1979. The effect of myo-inositol and benzyladenine on root viability in peaches and on the translocation of carbohydrates and cytokinins. Proc. Isr. Soc. Bot. Sci., Rechovot, Israel, April 16, 1979.
  2. Gur, A., Altman, A., Stern, R. and Wolowitz, B. 1986. The role of myo-inositol and cytokinins in the survival of rooted peach cuttings. Acta Hort. 179:853.
  3. Stern, R.A. and Gazit, S. 1992. Autumnal water stress checks vegetative growth and increases flowering and yield of litchi. Proc. 5th workshop on orchard and plantation systems, Tel Aviv, Israel, June 22-26, 1992. (p. 48).
  4. Stern, R.A. and Gazit, S. 1992. Development and abscission of “Mauritius” litchi fruits and the decrease of abscission by auxin 2,4,5-TP. Proc. 89th Ann. Conference Am. Soc. Hort. Sci., Honolulu, Hawaii, August 1-6, 1992. HortScience 27:108.
  5. Degani, C., El Batsri, R., Stern, R.A. and Gazit, S. 1992. Determination of the pollen parent and its effect on lychee fruit characteristics by isozymic analysis. Proc. 89th Ann. Meeting Am. Soc. Hort. Sci., Honolulu, Hawaii, August 1-6 1992. HortScience 27:136.
  6. Degani, C., Stern, R.A., El Batsri, R. and Gazit, S. 1994. Pollen parent effect on the abscission of “Mauritius” and “Floridian” lychee fruit.  Proc. 24th Intl. Hort. Cong., Kyoto, Japan, August 1994.
  7. Stern R.A., Shai, O., Yehuda, H., Matityahu, A., Schneider, D., Eisikowitch, D. and Goldway, M. 1999. Reduction in yield of the apple cultivar ‘Topred’ is due to semi-compatibility with its pollenizer ‘Jonathan’. Proc. Isr. Soc. Plant Sci., Weizmann Inst. Sci. Rehovot, Israel. (Abs. #20).
  8. Stern R.A. and Gazit, S. 2000. The polyamine putrescine increases ‘Mauritius’ litchi yield in Israel. Proc. 1st Intl. Symp. on litchi and longan. Guangzhou, China, June 19-23, 2000. (p. 38). 
  9. Stern, R.A., Stern, D., Miller, H., Xu, H.F. and Gazit., S. 2000. The effect of the synthetic auxin 2,4,5-TP and 3,5,6-TPA on yield and fruit size of young ‘Fei Zi Xiao’ and ‘Hei Ye’ litchi trees in Guangxi Province, China. Proc. 1st Intl. Symp. on litchi and longan. Guangzhou, China, June 19-23, 2000 (p. 39).

 

  1. Stern, R.A. Sargal, A. and Flaishman, M. 2000. Effect of the synthetic cytokinin CPPU on fruit size and yield of ‘Spadona’ and ‘Coscia’ pear (Pyrus communis L.). Proc. 8th Intl. Symp. on pear, Bologna, Italy, September 4-9, 2000 (p. 255). 
  2. Schneider, D., Stern, R.A., Eisikowitch, D. and Goldway, M. 2001. Self incompatibility in the Golden Delicious apple. Proc. Isr. Soc. Plant Sci. Fac. of Agri. Rehovot, Israel. April 4, 2001. (Israel J. Plant Sci. 49: 167).
  3. Stern, R.A., Schneider, D., Shay, O., Matityahu, A. and Yehuda, H. 2001. The relationship between yield and self-incompatibility in Rosaceae family. Proc. Biotechnology of Plants. Tel-Hai academic college, Israel. May 3, 2001. (Abs. #8).
  4. Schneider, D., Stern, R.A., Eisikowitch, D. and Goldway, M. 2002. Semi-compatibility of S-alleles between apple cultivars as a bio-ecological alternative for chemical thinning of over cropping. Proc. 27th Intl. Cong. on Sexual Plant Reproduction, Lublin, Poland, July 2002. (p. 138).
  5. Sapir, G., Stern, R.A., Eisikowitch, D. and Goldway, M. 2002. Determination of S-allele compatibility between Japanese plum cultivars by PCR analysis. Proc. 27th Intl. Cong. on Sexual Plant Reproduction, Lublin, Poland, July 2002. (p. 133).
  6. Stern, R.A. and Flaishman, M. 2002. Synthetic cytokinins increase fruit size of  ‘Royal Gala’ (Malus domestica) apple in Israel. Proc. 26th Intl. Hort. Cong., Toronto, Canada. August 11-17, 2002. (p. 371).
  7. Shahak, Y., Gussakovsky, E.E., Atzmon, I., Doron, I., Stern, R.A. and Naor, A. 2002. A new approach for light manipulation in fruit trees. Proc. 26th Intl. Hort. Cong. in Toronto, August 11-17, 2002. (p. 379-380).
  8. Naor, A., Flaishman, M., Stern. R.A. and Erez, A. 2002. Temperature effects on releasing apple buds from dormancy. Proc. 26th Intl. Hort. Cong. in Toronto, August 11-17, 2002 (p. 161).
  9. Stern, R.A. and Gazit, S. 2003. The effect of 22/12 and 22/17ºC temperature regimes and day length on flower induction in ‘Mauritius’ and ‘Floridian’ litchi. Proc. 2nd Intl. Symp. on litchi, longan, Rambutan and other Sapindaceae plants, Chiangmai, Thailand, August 25-28, 2003. (p. 82).
  10. Stern, R.A., Goren, M. and Gazit, S. 2003. The effect of shoot pruning during the fall and winter on litchi flowering and yield. Proc. 2nd Intl. Symp. on litchi, longan, Rambutan and other Sapindaceae plants, Chiangmai, Thailand, August 25-28, 2003. (p. 50).
  11. Shahak, Y., Stern, R.A., Gussakovsky, E.E., Cohen, Y. and Naor, A. 2003. Light-modifying nets: assessed benefits in apple orchards. Proc. 100th Ann. Conference Am. Soc. Hort. Sci., Rhode Island, USA, October 3-6, 2003. (HortScience 38 p. 739.)
  12. Stern R. A., Dag, A., Zisovich, A., Shafir, S. and Goldway, M. 2004. Sequential introduction of honeybee colonies increases cross-pollination, fruit-set and yield of ‘Spadona’ pear (Pyrus communis L.). Proc. 9th Intl. Symp. on pear, Stellenbosch, South Africa, February 1-6, 2004. (p. 15).
  13. Flaishman, M., Shargal, A., Lev-Yadun, S., Stern. R.A. and Grafi, G. The synthetic cytokinins CPPU and TDZ prolong the phase of cell division in developing pear (Pyrus communis L.) fruits. Proc. 9th Intl. Symp. on pear, Stellenbosch, South Africa, February 1-6, 2004 (p. 16).
  14. Goldway, M, Zisovich, A., Shafir, S. and Stern, R.A. 2004. Application of S-alleles molecular analysis as mean to elucidate low yields in the pear orchard. Proc. 9th Intl. Symp. on pear, Stellenbosch, South Africa, February 1-6, 2004 (p. 15).
  15. Naor, A., Flaishman, M., Stern, R.A. and Erez, A. 2004. Temperature effects on dormancy completion of vegetative and reproductive buds in apple. Proc. 3rd Intl. Symp. on plant dormancy, Wageningen, Holland, May 25-28, 2004. (p. 54).
  16. Dag, A., Shafir, S., Goldway, M., Zisovich, A. and Stern, R.A. 2004. Timing of hive introduction and their density affects pollination effectiveness, fruit set and yield in apple and pear orchards. Proc. 1st European Conference of Apidology, Udine, Italy, September 19-23, 2004. (p. 77).
  17. Sapir, G., Stern, R.A., Shafir, S. and Goldway, M. 2005. Investigation of the plant gametophitic self incompatibility mechanism using yeast as the research system. Proc. 1st Scientific Symp. of Migal Tech. Cent. Kefar Bloom, Israel, February 23, 2005. (Abs. # 18).
  18. Stern, R.A., Flaishman, M. and Ben-Arie, R. 2006. Auxins increase fruit size of ‘Bing’ (Prunnus avium L.) cherry in a warm climate. Proc. 26th Intl. Hort. Cong., Seoul, Korea, August 13-19, 2006 (p. 305)
  19. Stern, R.A. and Ben-Arie, R. 2006. Effect of the synthetic auxin 3,5,6-TPA on preharvest drop, fruit quality and maturation of ‘Delicious’ and ‘Jonathan’ apples. Proc. 26th Intl. Hort. Cong., Seoul, Korea, August 13-19, 2006 (p. 305)
  20. Goldway, M., Sapir, G., Shafir, S. and Stern, R.A. 2006. Genetic compatibility and fruit yield in sub-optimal conditions for growth and pollination in Rosaceae cultivars. Proc. 26th Intl. Hort. Cong., Seoul, Korea, August 13-19, 2006 (p. 253)
  21. Dag, A., Afik, O., Stern, R.A. and Shafir, S. 2006. Selection of honey bees strains for pollination of specific crop. Proc 2nd European Conf. of Apidology. Prague, Czech Republic, September 10-15, 2006 (p. 52).
  22.  Stern, R.A. 2007. Pyrus betulifolia is the best rootstock for the ‘Coscia’ pear in the warm climate of Israel. Proc. 10th Intl. Symp. on pear, Peniche, Portugal, May 20-27, 2007 (p. 61).
  23. Stern, R.A. 2007. Increasing fruit size of Spadona and Coscia (Pyrus communis) pears in a warm climate, with plant growth regulators. Proc. 10th Intl. Symp. on pear, Peniche, Portugal, May 20-27, 2007 (p. 20).
  24. Goldway, M., Zisovich, A. and Stern, R.A. 2007. Understanding the gametophytic self-incompatibility system and its impact on the cultivation of pears.  Proc. 10th Intl. Symp. on pear, Peniche, Portugal, May 20-27, 2007 (p. 18).
  25. Sapir, G., Goldway, M, Shafir, S. and Stern, R.A., 2007. Gametophytic self-incompatibility in Japanese plum (Prunus salicina). Proc. 104th Ann. Conference Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. Scottsdale, Arizona, July 16-19, 2007 (HortScience 42: 903-904).
  26. Stern, R.A. 2007. Pollination and fertilization in deciduous trees – problems and solutions. Proc. 15th Ann. Symp. on pollination. Volcani Inst. Israel, December 5, 2007 (p. 10).
  27. Stern, R.A.and Doron, I. 2008. Performance of ‘Coscia’ pear (Pyrus communis) on nine rootstocks in the north of Israel. Proc. 9th Intl. Symp. on integrating canopy, rootstock and environmental physiology in orchard systems, Geneva, New York, USA, August 4-8, 2008 (p. 110).
  28. Flaishman, M. and Stern, R.A. 2008. Increasing fruit size: effects of cytokinines and auxins and their mode of action. Proc. Intl. Workshop of COST action on Commodity Quality, Volcani Center, Israel, May 26-27, 2008 (p. 5-8).

LIST OF MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS

 

CONTRIBUTION TO AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

My research experience includes field and laboratory studies, with special emphasis on the mechanism of fruit tree productivity. My research has concentrated on the following aspects of pollination, fertilization and fruit development of subtropical and deciduous trees.

 

A. Improving lychee productivity

Worldwide, lychee suffers from the problem of low and irregular bearing. At the end of the 1980s I began a comprehensive study of the reproductive biology of lychee in Israel, with special emphasis on the factors responsible for its poor productivity. The improved understanding obtained enabled us to devise new treatments to improve productivity. Some of these treatments, described below, have also been successfully applied in China, Florida, Spain and South Africa.

 

1. Autumnal water stress to improve flowering

In Israel, under a hot and dry summer and cool and rainy winter, lychee trees flower poorly and therefore bear erratic yields. In my research I found that water management after harvest could influence flowering intensity. Autumnal water stress, from early October to the start of the rainy season inhibited vegetative growth and increased the cytokinin levels in the buds, resulting in profuse flowering and a dramatic increase in yield. Due to optimization of the water stress regime, along with a reliable indicator for irrigation control (xylem water potential), the yield was doubled. This autumnal water stress regime has been adopted by the lychee industry in Israel and is now considered a routine method. In addition this method has the added advantage of saving about 15% of irrigation water.

 

2. Auxin treatments to reduce fruitlet abscission

In lychee, even after profuse flowering, induced by autumnal water stress, the yield is often inadequate, mainly as a result of massive fruit drop during the early period of fruit development. In my research, I found that the main abscission wave occurs at the stage of rapid growth of the embryo, which coincides with a fall in the level of endogenous auxin. Two synthetic auxins (2,4,5-TP and 3,5,6-TPA), which were sprayed on the fruitlet at this time, were found to consistently and significantly reduce lychee fruitlet abscission and dramatically increase the yield of the two main cultivars in Israel and another cultivar in China. Both auxins are now routinely applied in commercial lychee orchards in Israel.

 

3. Auxin treatment to increase fruit size

Size is an important element in marketing fresh lychee fruit, and some of the commercial cultivars do not achieve sufficient size. I have found that treatment with 3,5,6-TPA, applied about a week after the 2,4,5-TP treatment to reduce abscission, increased fruit weight of all 3 commercial cultivars grown in Israel, as well as that of 3 other important cultivars in China. This increase cannot be explained as a result of fruit thinning (as in citrus, apple, etc.), but due to the fruit becoming a stronger sink.

 

In view of my research activity on lychee I was asked to write a chapter on “Plant Growth Regulators in Lychee” in the book “Plant Growth Regulators in Agriculture and Horticulture”, which was published in 2000, a chapter on “The Reproductive Biology of the Lychee” for “Horticulture Reviews”, published in 2003, and 4 chapters on “Lychee and Longan” (“Flowering”, “Fruit set and Development”, “Taxonomy, Botany and Plant Development” and “Origin, History, Production and Processing”) for the book “Lychee and Longan: botany, cultivation and uses”, which was published by CABI Publishing in 2005.

 

B. Increasing fruit size

In the warm climate of Israel a lot of fruit species produce a relatively small fruits, which obtains low prices on the market. Therefore, the economic benefits of treatments capable of improving the average fruit size are potentially very high.

 

1. Apple and pear

I have found that in three pear cultivars  (Spadona, Coscia and Spadochina) and three apple cultivars  (Red-Delicious, Golden-Delicious and Royal-Gala) the endogenous cytokinin level does not permit the full exploitation of the cell division phase of fruit growth. When treated with the synthetic cytokinin (CPPU, BA or TDZ) at the cell division phase, fruit size was increased and fruit size distribution changed dramatically without affecting fruit thinning and fruit shape. As a result, an increase in yield was obtained. In pears, I found many more cells at the cell division phase and a longer cell division period in treated fruit compared to control fruit.

This method is now routinely applied in commercial apple and pear orchards in Israel.

 

2. Plum, apricot and cherry

I have found that the endogenous auxin level does not permit to the full exploitation of the cell expanding phase of fruit growth. When treated with the synthetic auxin (2,4-DP; 3,5,6-TPA; NAA+2,4-D) at the pit hardening phase, fruit size was increased without affecting fruit thinning and shape.

 

C. Pollination in apple, pear and plum

The ‘Red Delicious’ apple, the ‘Spadona’ pear and most of the plum cultivars exhibit complete self-incompatibility, therefore their fruit production depends totally on cross pollination, especially by honeybees, which are the ultimate apple and pear pollinators. Weather conditions during the blooming period may be unfavorable for bee flight, pollination, pollen-tube growth and fertilization making the extent of cross pollination the yield-limiting factor. I have developed a new technique of sequential introduction of honeybee colonies and, by doubling their density, have significantly improved bee activity and efficiency in cross pollination, leading to considerable increase in yield and fruit size (total number of fruit per tree, and larger fruit due to increased seed number).

This technique is now applied in all commercial apple, pear and plum orchards in Israel.

 

D. The gametophytic self-incompatibility fertilization system in apple, pear, plum and apricot

In apples, pears and other fruit belonging to the Rosaceae plant family, fertilization is controlled by the gametophytic self-incompatibility (GSI) fertilization system. As a result, in order to achieve fruit-set and yield, cultivars depend on cross-pollination by a compatible pollenizer. In GSI, the outcome of pollination is determined by a single polymorphic gene locus, the S-locus. When the pollen grain carries an S-allele, which is harbored also in the pistil, it will be rejected. Yet, when the pollen S-allele differs from that of the pistil, fertilization will take place.

Since the GSI system has not been fully elucidated, I have studied it in order to increase our understanding of how this system works and to identify the best pollenizers for ‘Red Delicious’ apple, ‘Spadona’ pear and some Japanese plum cultivars.

The S alleles of all the apple, pear and Japanese plum cultivars, grown in Israel, have been identified. Thus, a full picture of the pollen flow in the orchard could be achieved. For example, in apple I found that ‘Jonathan’ is a weak pollenizer for ‘Red Delicious’ compared to ‘Golden Delicious’ due to semi-compatibility between ‘Jonathan’ and ‘Red Delicious’; that ‘Golden Delicious’ features a very poor self-compatibility in the warm climate of Israel and so on. Now I’m in the process of cloning the apricot S-alleles. So far only a few apricot S-alleles have been identified.

The method is being applied in order to investigate cases in which pollination and fertilization are suspected to be the main reason for low yields, over-cropping or low fruit quality.

 

E. Thinning of stone fruit: Peach-nectarine, cherry, apricot)

Commercial success on stone fruit cultivation, especially peach, nectarine and apricot, depends on fruit thinning, in order to reduce crop load and to obtain large-sized fruit that gains good prices. However, no successful chemical thinning method has so far been developed for stone fruit, as for pome fruit. Therefore, hand thinning is practiced, although this is less effective in enlarging the fruit, as well as being more expensive. I have developed three different chemical methods to replace hand thinning, which are being adopted in commercial stone fruit orchards:

1.      Gibberellin sprays at the time of fruit bud differentiation (summer), that reduce flower production in the following year, half the time required for hand thinning (for correction) and greatly improve fruit size distribution.

2.      Cyanamide application in the winter to kill the fruit buds, with results similar to those achieved with gibberellin sprays.

3.      Diluet treatment in the spring to burn the flowers, reduces the total crop and improves fruit size.

 

I have recently been studying a series of different compounds aimed at interfering with fertilization by inhibiting pollen grain germination. Results so far (2 years) are very impressive and there is good promise for commercial application in the near future in all stone fruit orchards.