Industrial Crops Production in Mediterranean Climate

Dear Colleagues,

Industrial crops have a long history in Mediterranean regions, where different species have been cultivated for their economic, industrial, and ecological value. In recent decades, crops such as Ricinus communis L. and Linum usitatissimum L., to name but a few, have regained interest due to their potential for sustainable production and contribution to the bio-economy. Since the early 1990s, the cultivation of various industrial crops has expanded significantly, driven by advances in breeding, variety adaptation, and agronomic practices suitable for large-scale production in the region. The increasing focus on economic, social, and environmental sustainability has fostered innovations in mechanization, processing, and the valorization of crop residues and by-products. Industrial crops are also promising for carbon farming, sequestering CO₂, improving soil health, and providing renewable materials that can help mitigate climate change. Their integration into sectors such as construction, bioenergy, and agro-industry enhances their environmental and economic contributions.

This Special Issue aims to explore the challenges and opportunities associated with the production of industrial crops in Mediterranean climates, with a focus on innovative, sustainable approaches to cultivation, processing, and by-product utilization. This issue will highlight research addressing the following:

• The genetic selection and development of crop varieties adapted to Mediterranean conditions;
• The optimization of yields for seeds, oils, fibers, and other valuable products;
• Advanced mechanization systems to improve the efficiency of cultivation and harvesting;
• Innovative processing techniques for food and industrial by-products;
• Sustainable practices to enhance crop resilience, including water use efficiency, pest management, and soil health;
• Environmental, economic, and social impacts of integrating industrial crops into Mediterranean agricultural systems.

We are particularly interested in research that delves into the following cutting-edge areas:

• The genetic selection and breeding of industrial crop varieties adapted to Mediterranean climates;
• Cultivation methods to increase cultivated areas, including soil preparation, innovative sowing, and integrated pest management;
• The optimization of crop yields and quality through advanced agronomic practices;
• Advanced mechanization technologies to improve efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of production;
• Supply chain optimization, from harvesting to processing and distribution, ensuring minimal losses;
• Regional suitability assessments and climate analysis for the large-scale production of industrial crops;
• Strategies for environmental sustainability, including carbon sequestration, improved soil health, and the promotion of biodiversity through crop cultivation.

We welcome submissions of original research articles, comprehensive reviews, and case studies pertaining to the following topics:

• Mechanization systems for the cultivation, harvesting, and post-harvest processing of industrial crops;
• The genetic selection and breeding of new varieties suited to Mediterranean environments;
• Agronomic practices to optimize yield, genetic expression, and resource use efficiency;
• The valorization of by-products from seed, fiber, and oil crop production;
• Cultivation methods that support the expansion of production areas;
• Innovative pest management strategies and sustainable soil preparation techniques;
• Supply chain solutions, from efficient harvesting methods to innovative processing and distribution models;
• Sustainable practices that address the economic, social, and environmental dimensions of industrial crop production, ensuring long-term viability.

Dr. Alessandro Suardi
Dr. Antonio Scarfone
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.

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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.

• industrial crops
• by-products
• fiber
• seeds
• oils
• mechanization
• circular economy
• breeding
• biobased products