Announcements

1. “Abiotic Stress Tolerance and Invasive Potential of Ornamental Plants in the Mediterranean Area: Implications for Sustainable Landscaping”
by Diana-Maria Mircea, Monica Boscaiu, Radu E. Sestras, Adriana F. Sestras and Oscar Vicente
Agronomy 2025, 15(1), 52; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15010052
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4395/15/1/52

Cover Story: Mediterranean ornamental plants' responses to drought, salt, extreme temperatures, heavy metal toxicity, and atmospheric nitrogen deposition are influenced by species and their interactions with environmental factors. This study shows the physiological and metabolic responses that allow ornamental plants to withstand harsh settings. These response mechanisms are excellent for landscaping in the context of climate change, but they allow non-native ornamental plants to outcompete native species, damage ecosystem functionality, and reduce biodiversity. The current study aims to understand the ornamental and environmental functions of plants in landscape design by investigating the interaction of their aesthetic and ecological features under abiotic stress, particularly their ability to harm the ecosystem through rapid expansion.

2. “Genetic Dissection of Anthocyanin Accumulation in Tomato Using GWAS and Hybridization Probe Melting (HPM) for Marker-Assisted Breeding”
by Areum Jeong, Sujeevan Rajendran, Sara Noh, Dohyeon Kwon, Chul Min Kim, Sang-Hoon Lee, Moon Nam and Bumkyu Lee
Agronomy 2025, 15(2), 295; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15020295
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4395/15/2/295

Cover Story: This study explores the genetic basis of anthocyanin accumulation in tomatoes, focusing on key regulatory genes influencing fruit pigmentation. Tomatoes are a globally significant crop, valued for their nutritional and health benefits. Recent advances in genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have enabled the identification of critical loci linked to anthocyanin biosynthesis. By analyzing phenotypic traits and genotypic variations, this research highlights the roles of SlMYBATV and SlANT1 in pigment regulation. The findings provide valuable insights for breeding anthocyanin-rich tomato cultivars, offering enhanced nutritional benefits and improved commercial viability.

3. “The Potential Impact of Flower Characteristics and Pollen Viability of Four Industrial Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) Grain Varieties on Cross-Pollination”
by Beatrice N. Dingha and Louis E. N. Jackai
Agronomy 2025, 15(3), 515; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15030515
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4395/15/3/515

Cover Story: Industrial hemp is a versatile and naturally dioecious plant, with monoecious varieties developed for high yield. Its cultivation has encountered numerous challenges, including the potential for cross-pollination. This study describes and evaluates the floral morphology and pollen quality of four hemp grain varieties, highlighting variations in these properties that can influence the quantity and quality of pollen produced. Specifically, these characteristics can significantly influence pollen viability, pollen dispersal, and pollination efficiency. The results indicate that monoecious varieties can revert to their natural dioecious state. Our findings provide valuable information for growers and researchers on hemp breeding and cultivation practices that may contribute to the prevention of cross-pollination. 

4. “The Current State of Italian Pomegranate Production: Agronomic, Crop Protection, Economic, and Managerial Perspectives”
by Maria Luisa Raimondo, Francesco Lops, Annalisa Tarantino, Nicola Bellantuono, Antonia Carlucci and Francesco Bimbo
Agronomy 2025, 15(4), 826; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15040826
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4395/15/4/826

Cover Story: Pomegranate cultivation is gaining popularity in Italy due to the plant’s adaptability and suitability for farmers shifting from traditional crops. However, fragmented knowledge limits its diffusion. This review synthesizes information from agronomy, crop protection, economics, and management to address these gaps. It examines biotic and abiotic stresses, irrigation and soil strategies, suitable cultivars, and market challenges. By integrating technical and economic insights, this review supports profitable, sustainable pomegranate farming in line with the EU’s Farm to Fork strategy.

5. “Turfgrass Through Time: Historical Uses, Cultural Values, and Sustainability Transitions”
by Paola Viola, Marianna Olivadese and Alberto Minelli
Agronomy 2025, 15(5), 1095; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15051095
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4395/15/5/1095

Cover Story: This article explores the historical journey of turfgrass, from ancient uses and symbolic meanings to its central role in contemporary green spaces. By tracing cultural practices across time and geography, it offers a critical reflection on turf’s ecological impact and future in sustainable landscape management. The study highlights the necessity of reconciling aesthetics, tradition, and environmental responsibility in the face of climate challenges.

6. “Castor: A Renewed Oil Crop for the Mediterranean Environment”
by Valeria Cafaro, Giorgio Testa and Cristina Patanè
Agronomy 2025, 15(6), 1402; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15061402
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4395/15/6/1402

Cover Story: Castor (Ricinus communis L.) is a highly resilient oilseed crop that is well-suited to Mediterranean climates and marginal lands, requiring minimal agricultural inputs. Its notable oil yield and unique properties make it an optimal candidate for the production of biofuels, bioplastics, lubricants, and pharmaceuticals. In response to increasing energy demands and European Union sustainability targets, castor presents itself as a strategic non-food crop that aligns with the criteria established according to the Renewable Energy Directive (RED). This review explores castor historical origins, adaptability, agronomic requirements, and market potential, underscoring its significance in the restoration of degraded land and its contributions to a low-carbon, circular bioeconomy.

7. “Severely Symptomatic Cucurbits in Croatia Dominantly Harbor a Complex of Potyviruses Including the Emerging Moroccan Watermelon Mosaic Virus”
by Martin Jagunić, Dorotea Grbin, Marko Marohnić, Adrijana Novak, Ana Marija Čajkulić and Dijana Škorić
Agronomy 2025, 15(7), 1613; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15071613
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4395/15/7/1613

Cover Story: Potyviruses are a major cause of yield loss in cultivated cucurbits worldwide. In this paper, we describe the first virome analysis of severely symptomatic zucchini and cucumber samples in continental Croatia, employing high-throughput sequencing and RT‑PCR. A mix of potyviruses consisting of watermelon mosaic virus (WMV), zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV), and Moroccan watermelon mosaic virus (MWMV) were major constituents of the viromes. Notably, MWMV was identified for the first time in Croatia—likely its northernmost record. These findings underscore the expanding reach of MWMV and the power of HTS for pathogen surveillance. The results have implications for cucurbit disease management: re‑examining cultivar resistance, intensifying phytosanitary monitoring, and assessing the role of climate‑driven aphid vectors in virus spread. 

8. “Phacelia tanacetifolia Benth. as a Multifunctional Plant: Support for Pollinators and Sustainable Agricultural Practices”
by Piotr Jarosław Żarczyński, Ewa Mackiewicz-Walec, Sławomir Józef Krzebietke, Stanisław Sienkiewicz and Katarzyna Żarczyńska
Agronomy 2025, 15(8), 1843; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15081843
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4395/15/8/1843

Cover Story: Phacelia tanacetifolia Benth. is an annual plant of growing economic and ecological significance. Initially valued as an ornamental and melliferous species, it is now recognized as a valuable forage crop and one of the leading catch crops. It produces rapid biomass, has low soil requirements, and shows strong resistance to drought and frost. It can be sown in monoculture or mixtures, supporting sustainable farming. Phacelia enhances biodiversity and ecosystem services such as CO₂ sequestration, nutrient absorbtion, and soil protection. It is an important food source for pollinators. Recent studies highlight its potential for biogas production. Its role in agronomic systems and environmental protection is expected to further increase.

9. “Capsicum chinense Jacq. Response to Pyrolysis-Derived Amendments and Sustainable Fertilizers in Containerized Greenhouse Systems”
by Dan Ioan Avasiloaiei ,Mariana Calara, Petre Marian Brezeanu, Claudia Bălăiță, Ioan Sebastian Brumă and Creola Brezeanu
Agronomy 2025, 15(9), 2125; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15092125
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4395/15/9/2125

Cover Story: Integrating pyrolysis-derived amendments with sustainable fertilizer regimes, this study evaluates growth, pigment biochemistry, reproductive development and fruit quality of Capsicum chinense cultivated in containerized greenhouse systems. Through rigorously designed treatments and systematic phenotypic evaluations, we show that biochar-enriched substrates markedly improved physiological robustness and agronomic productivity, while tailored sustainable fertilizers optimized nutrient availability and fruit biochemical composition. These results provide mechanistic and applied insight into resource-efficient cultivation strategies for protected horticulture and support scalable approaches for sustainable intensification.

10. “Analysis of Morphological Traits, Essential Oil Yield, and Secondary Metabolites in Seven Lavandins and Lavenders Grown in Two Pedoclimatic Areas in Tuscany (Italy)”
by Michele Moretta, Lorenzo Brilli, Luisa Leolini, Riccardo Rossi and Enrico Palchetti
Agronomy 2025, 15(10), 2310; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15102310
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4395/15/10/2310

Cover Story: Our study compares seven Lavandula (lavandin and lavender) cultivars grown in two distinct pedoclimatic areas of Tuscany, integrating field morphology, essential oil yield, and targeted metabolite profiling. Clear genotype x environment interactions were observed for plant architecture and inflorescence traits, with oil yield and composition showing consistent site-dependent variation. Multivariate analyses revealed trait clusters associated with productivity and aroma quality, enabling the identification of cultivars best suited to specific local conditions. These findings offer practical guidance for varietal selection and terroir-aware cultivation strategies aimed at maximizing essential oil quality and promoting sustainable production in Mediterranean environments.

11. “Nematode Detection and Classification Using Machine Learning Techniques: A Review”
by Arjun Neupane, Tej Bahadur Shahi, Richard Koech, Kerry Walsh and Philip Kibet Langat
Agronomy 2025, 15(11), 2481; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15112481
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4395/15/11/2481

Cover Story: Plant-parasitic nematodes threaten global crop production, yet their detection still relies on labor-intensive, expertise-dependent microscopy. Advances in artificial intelligence now offer ways to automate nematode identification, classification, and quantification. This review provides an updated evaluation of machine learning and deep learning approaches, with focus on modern object-detection models such as YOLO. By analysing current techniques, datasets, accuracy, and limitations, the study shows how AI-based image analysis can improve diagnostic efficiency and support sustainable crop protection. The findings highlight the strong potential of deep learning to deliver faster, scalable, and more reliable nematode monitoring, while outlining key challenges that remain for fully automated detection systems.

12. “Enhanced Micropropagation of Lachenalia ‘Rainbow Bells’ and ‘Riana’ Bulblets Using a Temporary Immersion Bioreactor Compared with Solid Medium Cultures”
by Małgorzata Malik, Anna Kapczyńska, Andrea Copetta, Justyna Mazur, Marco Savona, Arianna Cassetti, Michela Montone and Małgorzata Maślanka
Agronomy 2025, 15(12), 2757; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15122757
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4395/15/12/2757

Cover Story: This study examines how temporary immersion bioreactors enhance the micropropagation of two Lachenalia cultivars compared with conventional solid culture. By assessing morphological and biochemical traits under different immersion frequencies, we show that temporary immersion consistently improves biomass growth and bulblet formation, with clear genotype-specific responses. ‘Rainbow Bells’ displayed higher multiplication rates, while ‘Riana’ produced fewer but heavier bulblets. The results demonstrate that immersion frequency and cultivar identity jointly determine propagation efficiency, supporting the development of optimized protocols for both commercial production and conservation of this ornamental geophyte.