Israeli, Palestinian and Dutch scientists develop climate-resilient wheat for the Middle East
- Caroline Haïat
- 5 minutes ago
- 4 min read
For six years, Israeli, Palestinian and Dutch scientists have worked together to develop a new wheat variety resistant to climate change, water scarcity and high temperatures — a potential solution for food security across the region. The project, led by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in partnership with the Palestinian Public Health Society Al-Quds and Wageningen University in the Netherlands, has brought together around 30 researchers. The new wheat line, named “Ufuq” in Arabic and “Ofek” in Hebrew, still requires further testing before it can be made available to farmers. But researchers say the need is urgent, as climate models predict hotter and drier growing seasons across the Mediterranean basin in the coming decades.
The project began in 2020 at the initiative of the Association of Friends of the Hebrew University in the Netherlands, which has organized scientific initiatives bringing Israeli and Palestinian researchers together for several years. The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs has supported scientific cooperation initiatives aimed at promoting dialogue and exchanges between Israeli and Palestinian researchers.
Around 30 Israeli, Palestinian and Dutch scientists shared their expertise through workshops, training sessions, Zoom meetings and in-person gatherings, working together to refine their research into the new wheat variety. The research was conducted in Israel, both in the field with farmers and at the Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment in Rehovot..
“Science doesn't know borders, just like the global warming we are experiencing in the Middle East. We are a living laboratory for what will happen in other parts of the world in the coming years, and for what is already affecting Europe. This phenomenon affects the entire region, and I believe we need to join forces to find solutions to address the risks it creates,” says Dr. Zvi Peleg.
A collaborative international effort
The researchers initially developed around 300 wheat lines, which are still undergoing research and development before potentially being made available to farmers. The lines were exposed to different rainfall regimes using a system known as a Rainout Shelter — a structure installed on rails that can move back and forth, allowing researchers to simulate different scenarios associated with climate change.
“We then narrowed the collection down to 18 promising lines, which were grown in Rehovot as well as at three sites in the Palestinian Authority. The goal was to work with the same genetic material and observe how these lines responded to different conditions. The researchers also studied the roots and various physiological characteristics of the plants,” explains Zvi Peleg.
In some cases, the scientists carried out RNA extractions to study gene expression. These analyses were conducted at the Hebrew University’s genomics center, after which the data were jointly analyzed with students before the research continued.
A promising new wheat variety
Wheat is the most important crop in the Middle East and forms a fundamental part of the region’s food supply. It also occupies more agricultural land across the region than any other crop and has done so for centuries.
The Ufuq wheat line, which displayed particularly promising characteristics for coping with climate change, was tested for three consecutive years. During that period, it produced good yields while maintaining good quality, including characteristics important for bread-making.
The variety possesses mechanisms that allow it to maintain photosynthesis and continue fixing carbon despite high temperatures. It is also better able to cope with water scarcity thanks to a deep root system and a range of physiological characteristics.
Food security: a regional challenge
Food security is one of the region’s major challenges. Last year, Israel experienced significant drought, and a large proportion of the wheat grown ultimately could not be harvested for grain because there was not enough water for the crops to reach maturity.
“We are already seeing grain shortages in different parts of the world, and the problem is only getting worse. When drought strikes, countries that currently export grain may no longer be able to do so because they will need to keep their production for their own populations. Producing locally means increasing yields. But our available land is limited. We therefore need to improve the productivity of crop varieties,” explains Zvi Peleg.
When science brings people closer
Beyond its scientific objectives, the project has also created an opportunity for Israeli and Palestinian researchers to work together despite the surrounding conflict.
The simple act of bringing people together to discuss problems they share has created a sense of human connection. Knowledge has helped bring people closer even in a context of conflict, and the scientific cooperation remained intact throughout the project.
Although the project’s formal funding ended in July, the researchers do not intend to stop. A plant-breeding center has now been established within the Palestinian Authority, while research continues on the Israeli side.
“Bringing together people from different backgrounds, with different approaches to agriculture and research, improves our ability to draw conclusions. We discover other perspectives. Things we had not thought about or considered can suddenly be identified by someone else,” says Zvi Peleg.
The project also contributed to the academic development of young researchers. Two students completed their PhDs and four others obtained master’s degrees on the Israeli side, while seven Palestinian students also completed their master’s degrees.
The scientists are now seeking new funding to continue their work and expand the collaboration, including through potential partnerships in Germany.
The project represents a significant scientific breakthrough with the potential to strengthen regional food security and build greater resilience in agriculture as the effects of climate change intensify.
Caroline Haïat
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