Research on Genetic Diversity in Nut Crops

Dear Colleagues,

The study of genetic diversity in nut crops is of critical importance in the context of rapidly increasing global demand and intensifying environmental challenges. Νut trees are gaining prominence worldwide due to the high nutritional value of their fruits and their economic significance. However, their production is increasingly threatened by climate change, as well as emerging pests and diseases. In this dynamic landscape, genetic diversity represents a fundamental resource for improving crop resilience, adaptability, and productivity. Understanding and effectively utilizing this diversity is therefore essential for advancing scientific knowledge and supporting sustainable agricultural systems.

This Special Issue aims to present and disseminate the latest advances related to the assessment, conservation, and utilization of genetic diversity in nut crops. We invite contributions addressing a broad range of topics, including the characterization of genetic variability through molecular, genomic, and phenotypic approaches; the development and application of high-throughput sequencing technologies; the identification of genes and quantitative trait loci associated with key agronomic traits such as yield, quality, stress tolerance, and disease resistance; and the application of emerging technologies in nut crop cultivation and improvement, including precision agriculture tools, artificial intelligence, remote sensing, sensor-based monitoring systems, and high-throughput phenotyping platforms. Studies focusing on the conservation and management of genetic diversity in both cultivated and wild germplasm, as well as breeding strategies, are particularly encouraged, as these resources are essential for ensuring long-term crop adaptability.

This Special Issue also welcomes research on underutilized and wild nut species, which represent valuable reservoirs of genetic diversity for future crop improvement. Reviews and original research exploring climate change adaptation, genotype–environment interactions, sustainable management practices and the application of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, remote sensing, precision agriculture tools and sensor-based monitoring systems are of particular interest. By bringing together interdisciplinary research, this Special Issue aims to generate insights that support breeding programs, conservation initiatives, and the long-term sustainability of nut crop production systems worldwide.

The topics of interest for publication include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Assessment of genetic diversity in cultivated and wild nut crops using molecular, genomic, and phenotypic approaches;
2. Advances in high-throughput sequencing, omics technologies, and bioinformatic analyses for nut crop improvement;
3. Identification of genes and quantitative trait loci controlling yield, quality, stress tolerance, and disease resistance;
4. Conservation strategies and management of nut germplasm to safeguard long-term adaptability;
5. Breeding approaches leveraging genetic diversity, including marker-assisted and genomic selection;
6. Climate change adaptation, genotype–environment interactions, and sustainable production practices in nut crop systems;
7. Digital innovations in nut crop production, including precision agriculture, artificial intelligence, remote sensing, sensor-based monitoring systems and high-throughput phenotyping;
8. Physiological and Molecular Basis of Stress Resilience Physiological and molecular mechanisms of abiotic stress resilience in nut crops, with a focus on redox homeostasis, ROS signaling, and the activation of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant defense systems to protect photosynthetic integrity and plant ultrastructure.

Dr. Anastasia E. Giannakoula
Dr. Ioannis Manthos
Dr. Olga Dichala
Guest Editors

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