Volatilome in Horticultural Products: Ecological Interactions, Diseases, and Sensory Quality
A special issue of Horticulturae (ISSN 2311-7524).
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 November 2025 | Viewed by 95
Special Issue Editors
Interests: volatile compounds; chemical communication; agroecosystems
Interests: evolutionary ecology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
The volatilome encompasses the set of volatile compounds produced by plant organisms, providing an integrative perspective on the physiological, ecological, and pathological processes that determine the final quality of horticultural products. Throughout production, factors such as plant genetics, associated microbiota, climate conditions, and agronomic practices can significantly alter the composition of these compounds. These alterations influence the sensory quality (aroma and flavor), market value, and consumer acceptance of fruits and vegetables.
Additionally, the presence of phytopathogens and the interaction with beneficial microorganisms can trigger specific responses in volatile compound production, affecting both disease resistance and the organoleptic experience of consumers. Advances in analytical and omics techniques (such as gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, electronic noses, and metabolomics) allow for the identification and characterization of these compounds, as well as the examination of their relationships with genetic and environmental factors.
This Special Issue welcomes original research, reviews, and case studies that explore the volatilome from a multidisciplinary perspective, seeking innovative strategies to optimize quality, strengthen plant health, and promote sustainability in horticultural production.
Dr. Ernesto Oregel-Zamudio
Prof. Dr. Juan Núñez-Farfán
Dr. Jesus Ruben Torres-García
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
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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. Horticulturae is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly 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 2200 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
- volatilome
- horticultural products
- ecological interactions
- plant diseases
- sensory quality
- volatile compounds
- ripening
- postharvest
- omics analyses
- agricultural sustainability
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