It Runs in the Family

In industry, academia, agriculture, and health sciences, interest in Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPs) is growing. This trend is driven by their antioxidant, antimicrobial, and other biological properties that often surpass those of commonly used synthetic antioxidants. These effects are attributed to a diverse range of compounds, such as phenolics, flavonoids, alkaloids, catechins, minerals, and more. One of the most prominent plant families is the Lamiaceae family, with over 7000 species having a cosmopolitan distribution and significant economic importance. What makes these species so unique? Cultivation offers the potential to optimize yield and ensure uniform, high-quality products. In contrast, wild-grown plants may possess rare and unique traits, but these come with considerable variability. Moreover, several challenges must be addressed in cultivation: low seed germination rates, fertigation and irrigation requirements, and the complexities of harvesting and postharvest handling for both fresh and dried material. Intensive cultivation systems (hydroponics, alternative substrates) and their impact on the growth, productivity, and quality of the Lamiaceae species remain largely unexplored. The aim of this Special Issue is to present state-of-the-art research on the Lamiaceae species offering new insights into their significance and distinctive properties. It includes recent advances in the domestication of native (or novel) species, new cultivation techniques, emerging applications (edible flowers, urban landscaping), improved postharvest management strategies, and novel methods for assessing biological activity.