Breeding and Production Practices for Root Vegetables and Tubers

A special issue of Horticulturae (ISSN 2311-7524). This special issue belongs to the section "Genetics, Genomics, Breeding, and Biotechnology (G2B2)".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 July 2026 | Viewed by 820

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
College of Horticulture, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
Interests: tuber vegetables; abiotic stress; farming system optimization; molecular mechanism

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
College of Horticulture, Nanjing Agriculutral University, Nanjing 210095, China
Interests: genetics and breeding of vegetable crops; applied genomics; germplasm enhancement and utilization; biotechnology of vegetable crops
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Root vegetables and tubers, including potatoes, carrots, sweet potatoes, cassava, and yams, are vital components of global food systems, providing essential nutrients and calories to millions worldwide. Despite their agricultural and economic significance, these crops face challenges such as climate change, soil degradation, pest pressures, and evolving consumer demands. This Special Issue aims to explore innovative strategies in breeding and production practices to enhance the resilience, yield, and sustainability of root and tuber crops.

We invite contributions that address advancements in genetic improvement (e.g., marker-assisted selection, CRISPR/Cas9, and hybridization), agronomic practices (e.g., precision agriculture, water-use efficiency, and integrated nutrient management), and post-harvest technologies to reduce losses. Submissions may also focus on climate-smart breeding for drought, heat, or salinity tolerance, as well as biofortification to address micronutrient deficiencies. Additionally, we encourage studies on sustainable production systems, including topics such as organic farming, agroecological approaches, and the role of soil microbiome health in tuber development.

This issue will highlight interdisciplinary research bridging genomics, physiology, and agronomy, with an emphasis on translating laboratory discoveries into field applications. We welcome original research, reviews, and case studies that address gaps in knowledge, promote resource-efficient practices, and foster resilience in diverse agroecological zones. By compiling cutting-edge research, this Special Issue seeks to support global food security and empower stakeholders—from breeders to policymakers—to meet the demands of a growing population while safeguarding environmental health.

Dr. Yichen Kang
Prof. Dr. Liwang Liu
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • root vegetable breeding
  • tuber crop resilience
  • climate-smart agriculture
  • sustainable agronomy
  • biofortification
  • genetic diversity
  • soil health management
  • post-harvest technologies
  • disease resistance
  • precision farming

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

12 pages, 1712 KB  
Article
Breeding Study of a New Variety of Dendrobium officinale ‘Tiefeng No.1’
by Jiadong Chen, Ziyi Zhang, Yingying Liu, Xiaojing Duan, Man Zhang, Wu Jiang and Zhengming Tao
Horticulturae 2026, 12(3), 326; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12030326 - 9 Mar 2026
Viewed by 365
Abstract
To select and breed superior varieties of Dendrobium officinale with high quality and strong resistance to adverse conditions, a systematic selection process was employed to screen for outstanding strains, complemented by tissue culture for seed propagation. Following screening and self-purification, a new variety, [...] Read more.
To select and breed superior varieties of Dendrobium officinale with high quality and strong resistance to adverse conditions, a systematic selection process was employed to screen for outstanding strains, complemented by tissue culture for seed propagation. Following screening and self-purification, a new variety, ‘Tiefeng No.1’, was developed. Between 2019 and 2023, a comprehensive assessment of its characteristics, regional product ratio tests, and productivity research was meticulously conducted. The results indicated that the new variety of Dendrobium officinale is stable and of excellent quality. The polysaccharide content ranged from 44.35% to 58.55%, and the mannose content varied from 14.03% to 22.38%, both of which meet the standards set by the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2020). The anthocyanidin content was measured at 94.76 to 115.43 μg/g, which is double that of the Yueqing landraces. It exhibits good frost resistance and disease resistance. Through production verification and demonstration, ‘Tiefeng No.1’ has proven to possess excellent quality and high yield, showcasing significant potential for promotion in the primary growing regions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Breeding and Production Practices for Root Vegetables and Tubers)
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