النبذة المختصرة

RESEARCH AND TEACHING EXPERIENCE: AREA OF EXPERTISE Fusarium wilt is difficult to control, and has a devastating impact on melon (Cucumis melo) in the Middle East. The Ali-Shtayeh group is focused on genetic improvement of Cucumis yield and quality by exploring novel genetic resources and generating tools and expertise for breeding Fusarium resistant melons, concentrating on the locally adapted landraces (Fakous) grown by small farmers (MERC USAID M32-016). He has been involved in collecting Cucumis melo germplasm in the Palestinian Authority (West Bank), focusing on local landraces, characterizing the collection using DNA fingerprinting, morphological and horticultural parameters, and screen the collection for Fusarium wilt resistance; characterizing novel sources of Fusarium resistance, to broaden and diversify the genetic basis of FOM-resistance breeding; and initiating a melon-landrace-breeding program, using a "farmer participatory approach. The research in the lab is curr