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Sampling Form

What Have We Discovered?

The database before you presents the research results obtained so far, based on samples collected from teenagers from across the country. The database is an updated scientific database, which is part of active research conducted in the laboratory of Prof. Ziv Reich at the Weizmann Institute of Science, led by Dr. Dagan Sade. In the database, you can find details of microorganisms that were identified using innovative and precise genetic methods, on plants and in their environment, in the various samples collected throughout the country. You can find known microorganisms in it, and even more importantly - microorganisms that were discovered for the first time thanks to the project! The database can be used to deepen our understanding of the microbiome of plants in the Land of Israel and its effect on plant development and their ability to survive. In addition, further research based on this database may lead to important applications for the benefit of humanity, such as the discovery of new antibiotics, the development of more environmentally friendly pesticides and fertilizers, the development of means of biological decomposition of plastic waste, and more. Access to the full database is open to project participants only.

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Bacterial species discovered so far in the project
Bacteria are a type of microorganism – tiny living creatures visible only under a microscope. They consist of a single cell without a nucleus and are found everywhere: in the air, water, soil, and even inside our bodies. Many bacteria also live on different parts of plants or in the environments surrounding them. Despite their sometimes negative reputation, the vast majority of bacteria do not cause disease, and some are even beneficial to humans. It would be fascinating to find out how many of the new bacterial species discovered in the project will contribute to future breakthroughs that benefit humanity in agriculture or medicine.
27,075
Fungi species discovered so far in the project
Fungi are a diverse kingdom of organisms, ranging from yeasts and molds to larger forms such as mushrooms. Unlike bacteria, fungal cells have a nucleus. They can be found in soil, on plants, in food, and even in our bodies. In this project, the focus is on microscopic fungi—mainly molds and yeasts—which, like bacteria, are common microorganisms. Some of them may cause disease, but many are actually beneficial. For example, did you know that penicillin — the first antibiotic, discovered just about 100 years ago — is naturally produced by a mold fungus? It is exciting to consider how many of the new microscopic fungi discovered in this project might one day lead to breakthroughs in agriculture or medicine for the benefit of humanity.
591
Groups have participated in the project so far and contributed to science
In the Plant Microbiome Project, pairs or trios of students from biology, biotechnology, agriculture, and environmental science tracks take part in the research by collecting plant samples from across the country. These samples are then used for scientific research in Prof. Ziv Reich's laboratory at the Weizmann Institute of Science, leading, among other things, to the discovery of new microorganisms living on Israeli plants and in their surroundings, many of which were previously unknown to science!

Where have samples been collected so far? 

A glimpse of the results collected so far

*You can hover with the mouse to get data
The most common bacteria in soil
Actinobacteria - 39.69%
Proteobacteria - 36.74%
Firmicutes - 13.71%
Cyanobacteria - 5.27%
Acidobacteria - 4.58%
The most common bacteria in plant roots
Proteobacteria - 48.78%
Actinobacteria - 30.6%
Cyanobacteria - 9.06%
Firmicutes - 8.77%
Bacteroidetes - 2.78%
The most common bacteria in plant flowers
Proteobacteria - 42.1%
Actinobacteria - 26.67%
Cyanobacteria - 16.76%
Firmicutes - 11.81%
Acidobacteria - 2.66%
The most common bacteria in the plant fruits
Proteobacteria - 37.61%
Actinobacteria - 27.16%
Cyanobacteria - 24.53%
Firmicutes - 8.75%
Bacteroidetes - 1.96%
Plant species sampled most frequently
Desert Lavender - 23.83%
Avocado - 20.23%
Galliform flea - 20.23%
The desert will be destroyed - 19.04%
Winged Moringa - 16.67%