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Horticulturae
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Advances in Sustainable Cultivation of Horticultural Crops
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Advances in Sustainable Cultivation of Horticultural Crops

A special issue of Horticulturae (ISSN 2311-7524). This special issue belongs to the section "Vegetable Production Systems".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 March 2025 | Viewed by 4279

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Josinaldo Lopes Araújo Rocha

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Agricultural Sciences, Federal University of Campina Grande, Campina Grande 58434-500, PB, Brazil
Interests: soil fertilization; plant nutrition; environmental stress; biofertilization; hydroponics
Prof. Dr. Márcia Michelle Queiroz Ambrosio

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Agronomic and Forest Sciences, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido, Mossoró 59625-900, RN, Brazil
Interests: ecological management of plant diseases; soil fungi; biological control; soil microbiology; plant diseases; beneficial bacteria
Prof. Dr. Railene Hérica Carlos Rocha Araújo

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Food Engineering, Federal University of Campina Grande, Campina Grande 58434-500, PB, Brazil
Interests: post-harvest; fruit biochemistry; plant propagation; plant physiology; food technology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Horticulture can achieve high levels of sustainability if scientific and technological advances in various areas of knowledge are incorporated into production systems. Recent discoveries in areas such as nanotechnology, biotechnology, plant physiology, plant biochemistry, plant mineral nutrition and molecular biology have provided basic knowledge for the development of applied research in the generation of plant production techniques that have less impact on the quality of soil, water, the air, and human health and at the same time contribute to increasing food security.

This Special Issue, entitled “Advances in Sustainable Cultivation of Horticultural Crops”, aims to present innovative studies as well as new methodological and technological approaches that can contribute to the development of horticulture, considering the principles of sustainability.

We are pleased to invite you to submit original research articles or reviews that  primarily deal with, but are not limited to, the following topics:

  • Biofertilizers;
  • Biological control;
  • Decrease in greenhouse gas emissions;
  • Erosion control;
  • Green manures;
  • Increased efficiency fertilizers;
  • Integrated pest and disease control;
  • Nutritional efficiency;
  • Organic and organomineral fertilization;
  • Agro-industrial wastes;
  • Water use efficiency.

Prof. Dr. Josinaldo Lopes Araújo Rocha
Prof. Dr. Márcia Michelle Queiroz Ambrosio
Prof. Dr. Railene Hérica Carlos Rocha Araújo
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Horticulturae is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • agricultural nanotechnology
  • alternative fertilizers
  • biofertilization
  • biological control
  • climate changes
  • environmental sustainability
  • food safety
  • horticultural propagation
  • hydroponics
  • nutritional efficiency
  • organic fertilizer
  • production systems
  • use of waste
  • water efficiency

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Published Papers (5 papers)

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20 pages, 1528 KiB  
Article
Optimizing Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis L.) Cultivation: Effects of Different Manures on Plant Growth and Essential Oil Production During Consecutive Harvests
by Sina Fallah, Filippo Maggi, Askar Ghanbari-Odivi and Maryam Rostaei
Horticulturae 2024, 10(10), 1105; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10101105 - 18 Oct 2024
Viewed by 580
Abstract
This study examined the impact of organic manures from different sources (poultry, sheep, and cattle) on lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L., Lamiaceae) during different harvests. Manure application increased the photosynthetic pigments levels (chlorophyll-a, 9–41%; chlorophyll-b, 24–60%), biomass (41–60%), and essential oil yield [...] Read more.
This study examined the impact of organic manures from different sources (poultry, sheep, and cattle) on lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L., Lamiaceae) during different harvests. Manure application increased the photosynthetic pigments levels (chlorophyll-a, 9–41%; chlorophyll-b, 24–60%), biomass (41–60%), and essential oil yield (60–71%). Sheep manure treatment exhibited the highest antioxidant capacity among all the manures tested. Through GC-MS and GC-FID analysis, 10 chemical constituents were identified in the essential oil, accounting together for 91–95% of the total composition. The primary chemical component was geranial (39–46%), followed by neral (28–35%), (E)-caryophyllene (4.7–11%), geranyl acetate (2.7–5.9%), and caryophyllene oxide (1.7–4.8%). The utilization of livestock manures significantly improved the quality of the essential oil in terms of neral and geranial percentages compared to the control. Notably, during mid-August and early October, there was a substantial rise in these valuable compounds. However, a decrease in geranyl acetate and oxygenated monoterpenes resulted in a decline of the antioxidant capacity to 3%. Consequently, it is recommended to utilize essential oils from the second and third harvests for industrial purposes. Overall, the use of livestock manures, especially sheep manure, as a nutrient source for lemon balm cultivation, proves to be a viable approach for producing high-quality essential oils. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sustainable Cultivation of Horticultural Crops)
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16 pages, 5287 KiB  
Article
Nano ZnO and Bioinoculants Mitigate Effects of Deficit Irrigation on Nutritional Quality of Green Peppers
by Bruna Lorrane Rosendo Martins, Kaikí Nogueira Ferreira, Josinaldo Lopes Araujo Rocha, Railene Hérica Carlos Rocha Araujo, Guilherme Lopes, Leônidas Canuto dos Santos, Francisco Bezerra Neto, Francisco Vaniés da Silva Sá, Toshik Iarley da Silva, Whashington Idalino da Silva, Geovani Soares de Lima, Francisco Jean da Silva Paiva and José Zilton Lopes Santos
Horticulturae 2024, 10(9), 969; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10090969 - 12 Sep 2024
Viewed by 581
Abstract
Green peppers (Capsicum annuum L.) are a fruit vegetable with great culinary versatility and present important nutritional properties for human health. Water deficit negatively affects the nutritional quality of green peppers’ fruits. This study aimed to investigate the influence of zinc oxide [...] Read more.
Green peppers (Capsicum annuum L.) are a fruit vegetable with great culinary versatility and present important nutritional properties for human health. Water deficit negatively affects the nutritional quality of green peppers’ fruits. This study aimed to investigate the influence of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs), associated with plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB), on the post-harvest nutritional quality of green peppers subjected to water deficit. In an open-field experiment, two irrigation levels (50 and 100% of crop evapotranspiration (Etc)), four treatments composed of a combination of ZnONPs, zinc sulfate (ZnSO4), and PGPB (T1 = ZnSO4 via leaves, T2 = ZnONPs via leaves, T3 = ZnONPs via leaves + PGPB via soil, T4 = ZnSO4 via soil + PGPB via soil), and a control treatment (Control) were tested. Water deficit or water deficit mitigation treatments did not interfere with the physical–chemical parameters (except vitamin C content) and physical color parameters (except the lightness) of green peppers. On average, the water deficit reduced the levels of Ca (−13.2%), Mg (−8.5%), P (−8.5%), K (−8.6%), Mn (−10.5%), Fe (−12.2%), B (−12.0%), and Zn (−11.5%) in the fruits. Under the water deficit condition, ZnONPs or ZnSO4 via foliar, associated or not with PGPB, increased the levels of Ca (+57% in the T2 and +69.0% in the T2), P, Mg, and Fe in the fruits. At 50% Etc, the foliar application of ZnONPs in association with PGPB increases vitamin C and mineral nutrients’ contents and nutritional quality index (+12.0%) of green peppers. Applying Zn via foliar as ZnONPs or ZnSO4 mitigated the negative effects of water deficit on the quality of pepper fruits that were enhanced by the Bacillus subtilis and B. amyloliquefaciens inoculation. The ZnONPs source was more efficient than the ZnSO4 source. The water deficit alleviating effect of both zinc sources was enhanced by the PGPB. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sustainable Cultivation of Horticultural Crops)
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16 pages, 3352 KiB  
Article
Nutrient Dynamics and Resource-Use Efficiency in Greenhouse Strawberries: Effects of Control Variables in Closed-Loop Hydroponics
by Mi Young Lim, So Hui Kim, Mi Young Roh, Gyeong Lee Choi and Dongpil Kim
Horticulturae 2024, 10(8), 851; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10080851 - 12 Aug 2024
Viewed by 784
Abstract
The importance of implementing recirculating drainage for greenhouse strawberries is often overlooked because of the low electrical conductivity (EC) of drainage and transpiration despite the large area of cultivation in Korea. In this study, we analyzed the growth of strawberry crops and their [...] Read more.
The importance of implementing recirculating drainage for greenhouse strawberries is often overlooked because of the low electrical conductivity (EC) of drainage and transpiration despite the large area of cultivation in Korea. In this study, we analyzed the growth of strawberry crops and their water and individual nutrient use efficiency when using closed-loop hydroponics in greenhouses. The study consisted of two parts: Experiment (Exp) 1 and Exp 2, each of which employed a different closed-loop hydroponic control method. In Exp 1, the system was controlled solely based on the EC of the drainage mixed with raw water. In Exp 2, the nutrient solution (NS) was corrected according to the ion concentrations in the drainage, with correction intervals of 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and no correction, while the control treatment was open-loop. In Exp 1, a prolonged increase in drainage EC resulted in an imbalance in NS ion composition and reduced fruit yield. In Exp 2, the NS composition was stabilized through periodic nutrient correction, and the fruit yield of the closed-loop treatments did not differ from the open-loop treatment. However, the closed-loop with 2- and 4-week correction in Exp 2 showed 94% and 88% higher nutrient use efficiency (NUE), respectively, than an open-loop system. Among the closed-loop treatments, the 2- and 4-week correction intervals had 36% and 32% higher NUE than the no-correction treatment. Furthermore, the 2-week correction interval showed a 3% improvement in NUE compared to the 4-week interval. These findings highlight the importance of considering a shorter ion correction interval for optimal NUE and normal plant growth in recirculating hydroponic systems of strawberry cultivation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sustainable Cultivation of Horticultural Crops)
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23 pages, 10370 KiB  
Article
Adsorption and Incorporation of AgNPs Mediated by Seed Priming in Cultivated Taify Pomegranate: Integrated Approaches
by Amal Ahmed Alyamani, Maissa M. Morsi and Hala M. Abdelmigid
Horticulturae 2024, 10(6), 647; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10060647 - 17 Jun 2024
Viewed by 1095
Abstract
A novel approach known as seed priming has been developed to improve seed germination and, ultimately, increase growth and yield. For high-value crops like pomegranates (Punica granatum) in high-altitude regions like the Taif area, affordable, sustainable, and efficient seed treatments are [...] Read more.
A novel approach known as seed priming has been developed to improve seed germination and, ultimately, increase growth and yield. For high-value crops like pomegranates (Punica granatum) in high-altitude regions like the Taif area, affordable, sustainable, and efficient seed treatments are yet to be discovered. In this study, we employed a green synthesis method using pomegranate peel and coffee ground extracts to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) at a concentration of 80 mg/mL. These AgNPs were then utilized to prime pomegranate seeds for 24 h. Furthermore, a chemical reduction method using trisodium citrate was used for comparison. The adsorption of NPs was verified using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), while their incorporation was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). We further validated our EM results with X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). According to the findings of this study, AgNPs were observed to be present within seeds even after undergoing storage during priming. There is a possibility that the results obtained could potentially contribute to maintaining the quality of crops in a sustainable and eco-friendly manner. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sustainable Cultivation of Horticultural Crops)
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11 pages, 570 KiB  
Brief Report
A Comparative Study of the Influence of Soil and Non-Soil Factors on Seed Germination of Edible Salt-Tolerant Species
by Viana Castañeda-Loaiza, Maria João Rodrigues, Eliana Fernandes and Luísa Custódio
Horticulturae 2024, 10(8), 872; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10080872 - 18 Aug 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 718
Abstract
Cultivating edible salt-tolerant plants (halophytes) for human consumption is increasingly important due to climate change and soil salinization, and offers sustainable agricultural solutions. Optimizing seed germination, the crucial initial stage of crop growth, is essential for enhancing crop production. This study aimed to [...] Read more.
Cultivating edible salt-tolerant plants (halophytes) for human consumption is increasingly important due to climate change and soil salinization, and offers sustainable agricultural solutions. Optimizing seed germination, the crucial initial stage of crop growth, is essential for enhancing crop production. This study aimed to optimize the germination of edible halophytes under greenhouse conditions, focusing on select soil (salinity and substrate) and non-soil-related factors (chemical and mechanical treatments). The target species were selected for their commercial value and included Mesembryanthemum crystallinum L. (crystalline iceplant), Salicornia ramosissima J. Woods (sea asparagus), Medicago marina L. (sea medick), Ammophila arenaria (L.) Link (European beachgrass), Portulaca oleracea L. (common purslane), and Atriplex halimus L. (Mediterranean saltbush). Salinity negatively impacted germination rates (GRs) and delayed mean germination time (MGT) across species. P. oleracea had the highest GR (95.6%) in coco peat under freshwater irrigation, and the shortest MGT (5.2 days). A. halimus did not germinate under the tested conditions. Scarification with sulfuric acid improved the GR of M. marina by 42.2%, while scarification with ultrasounds improved the GR of A. arenaria by 35.5%. Our results indicate that the choice of substrate and the application of specific treatments like scarification can significantly improve the germination of certain halophyte species under variable saline conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sustainable Cultivation of Horticultural Crops)
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