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Agronomic Practices for Enhancing Quality and Yield of Aromatic and...
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Agronomic Practices for Enhancing Quality and Yield of Aromatic and Medicinal Crops

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (25 July 2025) | Viewed by 12505

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Matěj Malík

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Agroenvironmental Chemistry and Plant Nutrition, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, 165 00 Prague-Suchdol, Czech Republic
Interests: Cannabis; nootropics; Cannabis sativa L.; phytocannabinoids; hydroponics; plant nutrition; Pteridium aquilinum
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Pavel Tlustoš

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Agroenvironmental Chemistry and Plant Nutrition, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, 165 00 Prague-Suchdol, Czech Republic
Interests: soil fertility; plant nutrition; environmental chemistry; contaminants behavior; soil bio- and phyto-remediation; agronomy
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The cultivation of aromatic and medicinal crops has a rich history, deeply rooted in traditional medicine and culinary practices. In recent decades, the growing global interest in these crops has heightened the need for novel agronomic practices to enhance their quality and yield. As traditional methods may no longer meet the demands of modern agriculture, there is an urgent need for innovative approaches that address these challenges while ensuring sustainability.

This Special Issue aims to offer a comprehensive exploration of state-of-the-art agronomic practices specifically tailored to aromatic and medicinal crops. We seek to compile the latest research and methodologies that improve cultivation efficiency and support environmental sustainability. Highlighting cutting-edge studies and novel approaches, this Issue will cover key areas such as precision agriculture, soil and nutrient management, soil-less growing systems, pest and disease control, advanced breeding techniques, and the composition of plant tissues related to natural compounds and possible contaminants.

We welcome all types of contributions, original research articles, opinion pieces, and reviews.

We look forward to your valuable contributions.

Dr. Matěj Malík
Prof. Dr. Pavel Tlustoš
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 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

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

  • aromatic plants
  • medicinal plants
  • cannabis cultivation
  • agronomic practices
  • yield enhancement
  • plant quality and composition
  • sustainable agriculture
  • precision farming
  • soil management
  • soil-less growing

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review

3 pages, 156 KB  
Editorial
Agronomic Practices for Enhancing Quality and Yield of Aromatic and Medicinal Crops
by Matěj Malík and Pavel Tlustoš
Agriculture 2025, 15(23), 2517; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15232517 - 4 Dec 2025
Viewed by 205
Abstract
This Special Issue was created around a central question, a question that is increasingly difficult to resolve in practice, namely what should be included among agronomic practices to cultivate aromatic and medicinal crops so that they achieve both high yield and high value [...] Read more.
This Special Issue was created around a central question, a question that is increasingly difficult to resolve in practice, namely what should be included among agronomic practices to cultivate aromatic and medicinal crops so that they achieve both high yield and high value while remaining productive and economically feasible and delivering products that are chemically consistent and safe for consumers [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agronomic Practices for Enhancing Quality and Yield of Aromatic and Medicinal Crops)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

14 pages, 1475 KB  
Article
Alleviation of Chilling Injury in Postharvest Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) with Silicon and Abscisic Acid Applications
by Vivian Ly and Youbin Zheng
Agriculture 2025, 15(6), 643; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15060643 - 18 Mar 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1429
Abstract
Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) is highly susceptible to chilling injury (CI), resulting in the development of CI symptoms during cold storage that reduce postharvest quality and shelf life. This study evaluated whether silicon (Si) and abscisic acid (ABA) applications can mitigate [...] Read more.
Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) is highly susceptible to chilling injury (CI), resulting in the development of CI symptoms during cold storage that reduce postharvest quality and shelf life. This study evaluated whether silicon (Si) and abscisic acid (ABA) applications can mitigate these symptoms. In Trial 1, basil plants had a Si solution (189 mg/L Si from potassium silicate) or deionised water (control) applied during cultivation via rootzone irrigation or foliar spray. Some plants were also foliar sprayed with ABA (1000 mg/L) before harvest. In Trial 2, wollastonite was added to the growing media (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 mL/L) as the Si source. Applying the Si solution using either method reduced leaf necrosis, fresh weight loss, and electrolyte leakage, extending shelf life to at least 14 days. There were also no negative impacts on plant performance during cultivation (chlorophyll content, shoot height, and canopy width). The ABA solution, alone or in combination with Si solution, reduced symptoms but less effectively, extending shelf life up to 8 days. Wollastonite had no positive effects. These findings suggest that Si solution applications are a promising strategy to alleviate CI during postharvest cold storage of basil at 3.5 °C. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agronomic Practices for Enhancing Quality and Yield of Aromatic and Medicinal Crops)
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15 pages, 543 KB  
Article
Occurrence of Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products in Cannabis sativa L. Following Application of Sewage Sludge-Based Composts and Vermicomposts
by Ales Hanc, Bayu Dume, Sarka Kusnierova, Milan Hrcka, Tereza Hrebeckova, Pavel Michal, Maha Hleibieh, Alena Nehasilova and Tomas Cajthaml
Agriculture 2025, 15(5), 470; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15050470 - 22 Feb 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1134
Abstract
The use of some organic fertilizers may raise concerns about the transfer of hazardous substances to soil and plants. This study examined the impact of soil amendment with compost and vermicompost derived from sewage sludge and straw pellets in different ratios on the [...] Read more.
The use of some organic fertilizers may raise concerns about the transfer of hazardous substances to soil and plants. This study examined the impact of soil amendment with compost and vermicompost derived from sewage sludge and straw pellets in different ratios on the accumulation of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) by hemp (Cannabis sativa L.). The concentrations of fifty different PPCPs were measured in compost-treated soil, and in the roots and above-ground biomass of cannabis grown on the soil. The highest bioaccumulation of PPCPs was recorded in plants from previously unfertilized soils low in organic matter, while the lowest concentrations were measured in soil amended with compost or vermicompost made from straw pellets only, without sewage sludge. The effect of sludge-derived compost and vermicompost application on the absorption of PPCPs was statistically determined by measurements in soil samples, roots and shoots of carbamazepine, cetirizine, lamotrigine, telmisartan, paraxanthine, tramadol, triclosan, and venlafaxine. The above-ground biomass exhibited lower PPCP content than roots, suggesting a potential plant defense mechanism for limiting contaminant translocation. Only tramadol and carbamazepine showed significantly increased content in above-ground biomass. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agronomic Practices for Enhancing Quality and Yield of Aromatic and Medicinal Crops)
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21 pages, 1097 KB  
Article
Selenium Uptake by Hericium erinaceus Basidiocarps on Various Substrates and Their Effect on Growth and Yield
by Miroslav Jozífek, Lukáš Praus, Jaroslav Matějka, Ivan Jablonský and Martin Koudela
Agriculture 2025, 15(5), 460; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15050460 - 21 Feb 2025
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2827
Abstract
This study investigates selenium (Se) biofortification in four strains of the medicinal mushroom Hericium erinaceus using Se-enriched substrates to assess Se uptake, distribution, and its impact on yield. Experimental substrates included lignocellulosic materials fortified with Se (0, 2, 6, and 18 µg/g) in [...] Read more.
This study investigates selenium (Se) biofortification in four strains of the medicinal mushroom Hericium erinaceus using Se-enriched substrates to assess Se uptake, distribution, and its impact on yield. Experimental substrates included lignocellulosic materials fortified with Se (0, 2, 6, and 18 µg/g) in the form of sodium selenite. Se accumulation varied by strain, with M9521 showing the highest bioaccumulation efficiency, particularly for an unknown Se compound, suggesting unique metabolic pathways. Other strains predominantly accumulated selenomethionine. The bioconcentration factor was highest at 6 µg/g Se, indicating optimal efficiency at this level. Moderate Se supplementation (2–6 µg/g) improved yield, though time to harvest was affected by Se levels in some strains. Substrate composition influenced Se uptake, with wheat bran yielding the highest Se content and soybean hulls maximizing biological efficiency. A strong correlation between C/N and Se content was observed. Se distribution was higher in outer basidiocarp layers, and light intensity during cultivation enhanced Se accumulation. Se uptake decreased with subsequent flushes at medium and high supplementation levels, while substrates maintained the same bioavailable Se. The results highlight the potential of Se-enriched Hericium erinaceus as a functional food source and the role of substrate and cultivation conditions in optimizing Se content. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agronomic Practices for Enhancing Quality and Yield of Aromatic and Medicinal Crops)
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12 pages, 7598 KB  
Article
Impact of Environments on Root Growth and Marker Compounds of Adenophora triphylla in Different Regions of South Korea
by Dong Hwan Lee, Yonghwan Son, Chung Ryul Jung, Jun Hyuk Jang, Ji Ah Kim and Hyun-Jun Kim
Agriculture 2024, 14(12), 2301; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14122301 - 15 Dec 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1540
Abstract
Adenophora triphylla, a perennial plant widely used in traditional medicine, produces secondary metabolites like lupenone and β-sitosterol. Understanding how environmental factors influence the concentrations of these metabolites is crucial for optimizing their medicinal use and cultivation. This study examined the relationships between [...] Read more.
Adenophora triphylla, a perennial plant widely used in traditional medicine, produces secondary metabolites like lupenone and β-sitosterol. Understanding how environmental factors influence the concentrations of these metabolites is crucial for optimizing their medicinal use and cultivation. This study examined the relationships between soil physicochemical properties, climatic variables, and the growth and metabolite content of A. triphylla roots across 17 cultivation sites in South Korea. Methods included UHPLC-MS/MS analysis for quantifying lupenone and β-sitosterol, alongside correlation analysis of growth traits and environmental factors. The results showed that higher soil pH and calcium/magnesium content were positively correlated with the fresh weight of the root, whereas lower temperatures increased biomass accumulation. Additionally, lupenone was significantly associated with the elongation of various root growth, whereas β-sitosterol showed a correlation only with the diameter of the taproot. These findings suggest that environmental factors, particularly soil pH, Ca2+, Mg2+, and temperature, play key roles in influencing both the growth and metabolite production of A. triphylla, providing valuable insights into improving its medicinal and agronomic potential. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agronomic Practices for Enhancing Quality and Yield of Aromatic and Medicinal Crops)
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Review

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21 pages, 8214 KB  
Review
Basil Downy Mildew (Peronospora belbahrii): A Major Threat to Ocimum basilicum L. Production
by Massimo Pugliese, Giovanna Gilardi, Angelo Garibaldi and Maria Lodovica Gullino
Agriculture 2025, 15(19), 1999; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15191999 - 24 Sep 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1078
Abstract
Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.), a key herb in Mediterranean cuisine, holds substantial economic and cultural value due to its aromatic and medicinal properties. Cultivated globally, particularly in Italy’s Liguria region, basil is consumed both fresh and processed, with pesto sauce as its [...] Read more.
Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.), a key herb in Mediterranean cuisine, holds substantial economic and cultural value due to its aromatic and medicinal properties. Cultivated globally, particularly in Italy’s Liguria region, basil is consumed both fresh and processed, with pesto sauce as its most notable derivative. Despite its commercial success, basil production is significantly constrained by a broad spectrum of fungal pathogens, with Peronospora belbahrii, the causal agent of downy mildew, posing the most severe threat. This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of basil’s disease susceptibility and control. Special emphasis is placed on the biology, epidemiology, global spread, and diagnosis of P. belbahrii, which has become a critical challenge for both conventional and organic farming systems. Disease management strategies, including cultural practices, genetic resistance, fungicide applications, resistance inducers, and biocontrol agents, are reviewed in detail. The development of downy mildew-resistant cultivars—although limited for PDO-designated Genovese basil—has emerged as the most sustainable control measure; however, the increasing genetic variability in P. belbahrii underscores the ongoing need for integrated pest management and resistant cultivar development. Seed health and quality remain the starting points of any fully integrated approach, although the suggested management measures for basil production should be combined with appropriate cultivation techniques aimed at reducing the relative humidity of the environment, while taking into account whether basil production takes place in open fields or under protection. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agronomic Practices for Enhancing Quality and Yield of Aromatic and Medicinal Crops)
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31 pages, 924 KB  
Review
Soilless Growing Media for Cannabis Cultivation
by Matěj Malík and Pavel Tlustoš
Agriculture 2025, 15(18), 1955; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15181955 - 16 Sep 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3389
Abstract
Standardized pharmaceutical-grade cultivation of Cannabis sativa L. increasingly relies on soilless systems for precision, reproducibility, and regulatory compliance. This review examines the role of inert and semi-inert growing media in indoor cannabis production, focusing on their physical properties, agronomic performance, and sustainability. A [...] Read more.
Standardized pharmaceutical-grade cultivation of Cannabis sativa L. increasingly relies on soilless systems for precision, reproducibility, and regulatory compliance. This review examines the role of inert and semi-inert growing media in indoor cannabis production, focusing on their physical properties, agronomic performance, and sustainability. A systematic literature search was conducted using databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, emphasizing peer-reviewed original research, experimental trials, and relevant review articles. Evaluated substrates include rockwool, coconut coir, peat-based blends, perlite, vermiculite, expanded clay, foamed glass, phenolic foam, and biochar. Findings show that substrate selection strongly affects vegetative growth, rooting, and flower yield, while cannabinoid concentrations remain primarily genotype-driven under stable environmental and nutritional conditions. Substrate-specific traits such as aeration, water-holding capacity, and nutrient buffering significantly influence biomass production and resource-use efficiency. Rockwool remains the industry standard due to its uniformity and compatibility with fertigation systems, but renewable alternatives like coconut coir and biochar are gaining traction. This review underscores the importance of substrate selection in cannabis cultivation and identifies research gaps in genotype-specific responses and the development of sustainable growing media. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agronomic Practices for Enhancing Quality and Yield of Aromatic and Medicinal Crops)
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