Introduction:
Israel is known for the wealth of its plant species. Within a small geographical area, four different phytogeographical regions exist, contributing to a wealth of flora (Fig. 1; Plitman et al. 1983): 1. Mediterranean region: 350-1000 mm annual rainfall; dry summers, temperate winters. 2. Irano-Turanian region: 100-400 mm rainfall; very hot summers, very cold winters; semi-arid, typical of central Asia. 3. Saharo-Arabian region: 0-150 mm rainfall; extreme dryness - arid and desertic. 4. Sudanian penetration with tropical vegetation: below sea level; this is the northern limit of this region. The genus Brassica and many wild allies seem to have originated in the Mediterranean region, adapted to conditions of mild winters and dry summers (Zohary 1966). The following is a description of the biodiversity of Eruca and Diplotaxis species in Israel and experimental data regarding evaluation of native germplasm of Eruca as a potential agricultural crop and a source of seed oils.
Preliminary report on major activities initiated within the framework of Network activities: Activities conducted in Israel
Introduction:
Israel is known for the wealth of its plant species. Within a small geographical area, four different phytogeographical regions exist, contributing to a wealth of flora (Fig. 1; Plitman et al. 1983): 1. Mediterranean region: 350-1000 mm annual rainfall; dry summers, temperate winters. 2. Irano-Turanian region: 100-400 mm rainfall; very hot summers, very cold winters; semi-arid, typical of central Asia. 3. Saharo-Arabian region: 0-150 mm rainfall; extreme dryness - arid and desertic. 4. Sudanian penetration with tropical vegetation: below sea level; this is the northern limit of this region. The genus Brassica and many wild allies seem to have originated in the Mediterranean region, adapted to conditions of mild winters and dry summers (Zohary 1966). The following is a description of the biodiversity of Eruca and Diplotaxis species in Israel and experimental data regarding evaluation of native germplasm of Eruca as a potential agricultural crop and a source of seed oils.
Preliminary report on major activities initiated within the framework of Network activities: Activities conducted in Israel