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Agriculture
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Advanced Cultivation Technologies for Horticultural Crops Production
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Advanced Cultivation Technologies for Horticultural Crops Production

A special issue of Agriculture (ISSN 2077-0472). This special issue belongs to the section "Crop Production".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 28 February 2026 | Viewed by 3924

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Nay Myo Win

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Apple Research Center, National Institute of Horticultural and Herbal Sciences, Rural Development Administration, Gunwi-gun, Daegu 43100, Republic of Korea
Interests: smart farming; cultivation technology; horticultural machinery; plant physiology; crop production; plant nutrients; bioactive compounds; post-harvest technology; fruit quality
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Inkyu Kang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Horticultural Science, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea
Interests: cultivation technology; post-harvest technology; crop physiology; fruit quality; cell wall; plant metabolites
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Jingi Yoo

E-Mail Website1 Website2
Guest Editor
Department of Horticulture & Life Sciences, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38526, Republic of Korea
Interests: cultivation technology; crop physiology; post-harvest technology; fruit quality; bioactive compounds

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Agricultural activities including the cultivation, production, distribution, storage, and consumption of agricultural products directly influence the quality of natural resources and human life. Advanced cultivation research and technologies are essential for developing climate-smart, resource-efficient, and high-yielding horticultural systems. By adopting modern cultivation technologies, growers can improve productivity, reduce production costs, and ensure food security while maintaining ecological balance.

The aim of this Special Issue is to contribute to current scientific knowledge on advanced cultivation technologies for horticultural and fruit crop production. We encourage the submission of manuscripts focused on smart farming systems for fruit crop growing, cultivation techniques for horticultural and fruit crops, mechanization studies for crop production, eco-friendly cultivation and production of fruit crops, the impact of controlled environmental conditions on the development of fruit crops, pre- and post-harvest management strategies to improve the quality of crops, and research on plant metabolites, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant metabolism in fruit crop production.

Dr. Nay Myo Win
Prof. Dr. Inkyu Kang
Dr. Jingi Yoo
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. Agriculture is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly 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 2600 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

  • smart farming
  • cultivation technology
  • crop physiology and quality
  • mechanization of horticultural crops
  • precision agriculture
  • bioactive compounds
  • antioxidants

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

16 pages, 3136 KB  
Article
Multi-Objective Nitrogen Optimization in Tea Cultivation: A Pathway to Achieve Sustainability in Cash Crop Systems
by Jinze Pei, Hongyu Yang, Menghan Huang, Xiaojun Yan, Xinran Zeng, Lijin Guo and Liangquan Wu
Agriculture 2025, 15(18), 1949; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15181949 - 15 Sep 2025
Viewed by 340
Abstract
Excessive nitrogen fertilizer application in tea plantations is a common problem that leads to soil acidification and reductions in both yield and economic returns. To evaluate the impacts of varying nitrogen input levels (0–600 kg N ha−1 yr−1) on yield, [...] Read more.
Excessive nitrogen fertilizer application in tea plantations is a common problem that leads to soil acidification and reductions in both yield and economic returns. To evaluate the impacts of varying nitrogen input levels (0–600 kg N ha−1 yr−1) on yield, as well as environmental and economic outcomes, a two-year field experiment was conducted. Results demonstrated that when nitrogen application exceeded 150 kg N ha−1 yr−1, key efficiency indicators—agronomic efficiency (NAE), recovery efficiency (NRE), and partial factor productivity (NPFP) declined markedly. Among all treatments, the 150 kg N ha−1 yr−1 rate achieved the highest NRE at 28.01%. Moreover, environmental burdens including global warming potential, acidification, and eutrophication intensified with increasing nitrogen input. Benefit analysis revealed that yield-based economic returns peaked between 150 and 165 kg N ha−1 yr−1, whereas the highest ecosystem economic benefit, accounting for both profit and environmental cost, occurred at 120 kg N ha−1 yr−1. Thus, 120 kg N ha−1 yr−1 is identified as the optimal application rate for maximizing integrated economic and environmental returns while maintaining yield. These findings provide valuable guidance for promoting sustainable nitrogen management in tea cultivation worldwide. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Cultivation Technologies for Horticultural Crops Production)
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13 pages, 1335 KB  
Article
Effects of Seed Priming with Talaromyces ruber Extracts on Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) Growth
by Álvaro Iglesias-Ganado, Jorge Poveda, Oscar Santamaría, Sara Rodrigo, María I. Pozo and Jorge Martín-García
Agriculture 2025, 15(17), 1868; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15171868 - 31 Aug 2025
Viewed by 672
Abstract
Modern agriculture requires effective and sustainable tools to enhance crop performance while minimizing the environmental impact. In this context, the application of fungal-derived bioactive compounds directly onto seeds represents a promising alternative. In this study, tomato seeds (Solanum lycopersicum) were subjected [...] Read more.
Modern agriculture requires effective and sustainable tools to enhance crop performance while minimizing the environmental impact. In this context, the application of fungal-derived bioactive compounds directly onto seeds represents a promising alternative. In this study, tomato seeds (Solanum lycopersicum) were subjected to mycopriming treatment using two fungal extracts obtained from the mycelium and culture filtrate of Talaromyces ruber. Two independent greenhouse trials were conducted to assess germination dynamics, morphometric traits, and physiological parameters (chlorophyll content, flavonol index, and anthocyanin index). Although germination rates were not significantly affected, root development was consistently enhanced by the treatments compared with the control group in both experiments. In contrast, no clear improvement was observed in shoot growth or leaf physiological parameters. Overall, the application of T. ruber extracts via seed priming proved to be a feasible strategy to stimulate early-stage root development in tomatoes, potentially contributing to improved seedling vigor and agronomic performance. These findings support the potential use of fungal extracts as practical tools for improving seedling quality in commercial nursery production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Cultivation Technologies for Horticultural Crops Production)
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17 pages, 4337 KB  
Article
Comparison of Ray Tracing Software Performance Based on Light Intensity for Spinach Growth
by Chengyao Jiang, Kexin Zhang, Yue Ma, Yu Song, Mengyao Li, Yangxia Zheng, Tonghua Pan and Wei Lu
Agriculture 2025, 15(17), 1852; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15171852 - 30 Aug 2025
Viewed by 555
Abstract
With the development of modern agricultural technology, plant factories have become an important way to achieve efficient and sustainable crop production. Accurate understanding of the light received by plants is the key to improving the light energy utilization efficiency of lamps and ensuring [...] Read more.
With the development of modern agricultural technology, plant factories have become an important way to achieve efficient and sustainable crop production. Accurate understanding of the light received by plants is the key to improving the light energy utilization efficiency of lamps and ensuring the benefits of plant factories. Ray tracing technology, as one of the key technologies in plant factories, is of great significance to analyze the growing light environment of vegetables. Spinach has high nutritional value and is loved by the public and is one of the main crops grown in plant factories. In this paper, LightTools, TracePro, and Ansys Lumerical FDTD Solution, which are currently mature light environment tracking software in the field of lighting, are selected as the research objects to investigate their performance in simulating the light environment of spinach leaf surfaces under different planting arrangements and different lamp source distances. The results show as follows: Under the rectangular planting arrangement, the leaves received more light, and the plants grew faster. Different planting arrangements of plants had little effect on the simulation effect of the same kind of software, but the simulation effect of the three kinds of software under the same planting arrangement was significantly different, and the difference between the simulated value and the measured value of TracePro was the least. Further, TracePro was used to trace and simulate the leaf surface light conditions of spinach under a rectangular planting arrangement at different lighting distances, and the simulation results showed that there was no significant difference between the software simulation value and the measured value, and the simulation accuracy was the highest when the distance from the light source was 30 cm. Therefore, TracePro software can accurately simulate the light intensity of spinach leaves during the growth process and is most suitable for monitoring the change of light environment of spinach growth in plant factories. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Cultivation Technologies for Horticultural Crops Production)
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16 pages, 1037 KB  
Article
Assessing Nutrient Losses and Recycling in Sweet Cherry Orchards: A Yield-Based Approach
by Ilias Karampatzakis, Fotis Bilias, Chrysanthi Polychroniadou, Georgia Tanou, Panagiotis Kekelis, Aphrodite Theofilidou, Georgios Giannopoulos, Athina Pavlatou-Ve and Vassilis Aschonitis
Agriculture 2025, 15(12), 1312; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15121312 - 18 Jun 2025
Viewed by 702
Abstract
Mineral nutrition management in sweet cherry orchards remains a critical challenge due to the lack of site-specific fertilization guidelines, particularly in Greece, a significant cherry-producing country. This study aimed to develop a predictive framework for total nutrient losses in sweet cherry orchards by [...] Read more.
Mineral nutrition management in sweet cherry orchards remains a critical challenge due to the lack of site-specific fertilization guidelines, particularly in Greece, a significant cherry-producing country. This study aimed to develop a predictive framework for total nutrient losses in sweet cherry orchards by proposing simplified estimations using fresh fruit yield as the sole input variable. Field experiments were conducted in two orchards with distinct rootstocks (MxM 14 and CAB-6P), analyzing soil properties, leaf nutrient status, and uptake patterns on different plant components. Results indicated that despite differences in soil texture and pH, nutrient availability was generally sufficient, with only Fe and Zn marginally below optimal levels in leaf tissue. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed distinct nutrient distribution patterns, with N evenly distributed across fruits, peduncles, and prunings, while K was concentrated in fruits and peduncles, and Ca and Mg predominantly in fallen leaves. Notably, K was redistributed from leaves to fruits under high yields, evidenced by negative correlations between leaf biomass and K uptake. Strong relationships (r2 > 0.8) were found between fresh fruit yield and uptake of N, P, K, Mg, B, and Cu, enabling reliable predictions of total nutrient losses. Estimated annual nutrient removals were 85.6 kg ha−1 N, 8.94 kg ha−1 P, 42.7 kg ha−1 K, and 12.0 kg ha−1 Mg, with significant fractions retained in prunings and fallen leaves (e.g., 51.8 kg ha−1 N, 6.2 kg ha−1 P). The developed yield-based models provide a practical tool for optimizing fertilization strategies, while our findings highlight the potential for nutrient recycling through sustainable residue management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Cultivation Technologies for Horticultural Crops Production)
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25 pages, 1341 KB  
Article
Phenological Performance, Thermal Demand, and Qualitative Potential of Wine Grape Cultivars Under Double Pruning
by Carolina Ragoni Maniero, Marco Antonio Tecchio, Harleson Sidney Almeida Monteiro, Camilo André Pereira Contreras Sánchez, Giuliano Elias Pereira, Juliane Barreto de Oliveira, Sinara de Nazaré Santana Brito, Francisco José Domingues Neto, Sarita Leonel, Marcelo de Souza Silva, Ricardo Figueira and Pricila Veiga dos Santos
Agriculture 2025, 15(12), 1241; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15121241 - 6 Jun 2025
Viewed by 966
Abstract
The production of winter wines in Southeastern Brazil represents a relatively recent but expanding viticultural approach, with increasing adoption across diverse wine-growing regions. This system relies on the double-pruning technique, which allows for the harvest of grapes during the dry and cooler winter [...] Read more.
The production of winter wines in Southeastern Brazil represents a relatively recent but expanding viticultural approach, with increasing adoption across diverse wine-growing regions. This system relies on the double-pruning technique, which allows for the harvest of grapes during the dry and cooler winter season, favoring a greater accumulation of sugars, acids, and phenolic compounds. This study aimed to characterize the phenological stages, thermal requirements, yield, and fruit quality of the fine wine grape cultivars ‘Sauvignon Blanc’, ‘Merlot’, ‘Tannat’, ‘Pinot Noir’, ‘Malbec’, and ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’ under double-pruning management in a subtropical climate. The vineyard was established in 2020, and two production cycles were evaluated (2022/2023 and 2023/2024). Significant differences in the duration of phenological stages were observed among cultivars, ranging from 146 to 172 days from pruning to harvest. The accumulated thermal demand was higher in the first cycle, with a mean of 1476.9 growing degree days (GDD) across cultivars. The results demonstrate the potential of Vitis vinifera L. cultivars managed with double pruning for high-quality wine production under subtropical conditions, supporting the viability of expanding viticulture in the state of São Paulo. ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’ and ‘Sauvignon Blanc’ showed the highest yields, reaching 3.03 and 2.75 kg per plant, respectively, with productivity values of up to 10.8 t ha−1. ‘Tannat’ stood out for its high sugar accumulation (23.4 °Brix), while ‘Merlot’ exhibited the highest phenolic (234.9 mg 100 g−1) and flavonoid (15.3 mg 100 g−1) contents. These results highlight the enological potential of the evaluated cultivars and confirm the efficiency of the double-pruning system in improving grape composition and wine quality in non-traditional viticultural regions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Cultivation Technologies for Horticultural Crops Production)
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