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Horticulturae
Special Issues
Latest Advances in Horticulture Production Equipment and Technology
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Latest Advances in Horticulture Production Equipment and Technology

A special issue of Horticulturae (ISSN 2311-7524).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 5 December 2025 | Viewed by 2629

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Baolong Wang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Tropical Agriculture and Forestry, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
Interests: facility agriculture engineering
Dr. Runmao Zhao

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
College of Engineering, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
Interests: agriculture engineering
Dr. Kai Cao

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute of Agricultural Facilities and Equipment, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, China
Interests: LED lighting; vertical farming; vegetable production and nutrient management
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Recent advances in the production of horticultural equipment and technology have significantly transformed the way crops are grown, harvested, and processed. Innovations in precision agriculture, such as automated systems and sensors, have enabled farmers to optimize resource use and enhance crop yields. Drones equipped with high-resolution cameras and multispectral sensors are being used to monitor crop health and manage field conditions. Advanced greenhouse technologies, including climate control systems and hydroponic setups, have made it possible to grow plants in a controlled environment, enhancing efficiency and reducing the impact of adverse weather conditions.

Robotic harvesters and planters are increasing the speed and accuracy of planting and harvesting operations, while reducing labor costs. The integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms in horticulture equipment enables the use of predictive analytics, which can forecast crop diseases and pest infestations, thus enabling proactive management strategies. Furthermore, the use of renewable energy sources, such as solar-powered irrigation systems, is contributing to the development of sustainable farming practices.

Innovations in post-harvest technology, such as automated sorting and packaging machinery, have enhanced the quality and shelf-life of produce. These advancements collectively contribute to a more efficient, productive, and sustainable horticulture industry.

Dr. Baolong Wang
Dr. Runmao Zhao
Dr. Kai Cao
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.

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

  • innovation in greenhouse structure
  • horticultural production robot
  • horticultural facility environment simulation
  • sensors and monitoring systems
  • sustainable horticultural facility production practice
  • data analytics and precision horticulture

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

18 pages, 3683 KiB  
Article
The Impact of Light Quality on the Growth and Quality of Celery
by Li Tang, Qianwen Chu, Kaiyue Liu, Yingyi Lu, Shaobo Cheng, Tonghua Pan, Xiaoting Zhou and Zhongqun He
Horticulturae 2025, 11(7), 774; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11070774 - 2 Jul 2025
Viewed by 194
Abstract
Farming is an important development direction of agriculture in the future, which is affected by various environmental factors, among which light plays an important role, and it is essential for the growth of organisms in nature. LED technology can regulate the growth and [...] Read more.
Farming is an important development direction of agriculture in the future, which is affected by various environmental factors, among which light plays an important role, and it is essential for the growth of organisms in nature. LED technology can regulate the growth and development of vegetables by adjusting the spectral composition of light. In order to explore light quality formulation with the aim of improving the quality and yield of celery, we set up six experimental treatments: W (white light), R (red light), B (blue light), 3R1B (red light/blue light = 3:1), 4R1B (red light/blue light = 4:1), and 5R1B (red light/blue light = 5:1). The results indicated that the 3R1B and 4R1B illumination treatments were conducive to promoting the growth of celery, enhancing plant height and root length. Specifically, the 3R1B treatment optimized the nutritional quality of celery by increasing the levels of soluble protein, soluble sugar, and total flavonoids while reducing nitrate and cellulose contents and elevating the anthocyanin content in petioles. Additionally, both treatments enhanced the contents of Ca and Mg in celery leaves and petioles. Furthermore, the 3R1B treatment promoted the accumulation of photosynthetic pigments, upregulated the activities of ANS and FNS enzymes, and induced the upregulation of gene expression levels of FNS and ANS, thereby enhancing the nutritional value of celery. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Latest Advances in Horticulture Production Equipment and Technology)
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19 pages, 26828 KiB  
Article
Synergistic Effects of Elevated CO2 and Enhanced Light Intensity on Growth Dynamics, Stomatal Phenomics, Leaf Anatomy, and Photosynthetic Performance in Tomato Seedlings
by Tonghua Pan, Wenya Zhang, Wentao Du, Bingyan Fu, Xiaoting Zhou, Kai Cao, Encai Bao, Yunlong Wang and Gaoqiang Lv
Horticulturae 2025, 11(7), 760; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11070760 - 1 Jul 2025
Viewed by 257
Abstract
Elevated [CO2] enhances light interception and carboxylation efficiency in plants. The combined effects of [CO2] and photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) on stomatal morphology, leaf anatomy, and photosynthetic capacity in tomato seedlings remain unclear. This study subjected tomato seedlings [...] Read more.
Elevated [CO2] enhances light interception and carboxylation efficiency in plants. The combined effects of [CO2] and photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) on stomatal morphology, leaf anatomy, and photosynthetic capacity in tomato seedlings remain unclear. This study subjected tomato seedlings (Solanum lycopersicum Mill. cv. Jingpeng No.1) to two [CO2] (ambient [a[CO2], 400 µmol·mol−1] and enriched [e[CO2], 800 µmol·mol−1]) and three PPFD levels (L; low[Ll: 200 µmol·m−2·s−1], moderate[Lm: 300 µmol·m−2·s−1], and high[Lh: 400 µmol·m−2·s−1]) to assess their interactive impacts. Results showed that e[CO2] and increased PPFD synergistically improved relative growth rate and net assimilation rate while reducing specific leaf area and leaf area ratio. Notably, e[CO2] decreased stomatal aperture (−13.81%) and density (−27.76%), whereas elevated PPFD promoted stomatal morphological adjustments. Additionally, Leaf thickness increased by 72.98% under e[CO2], with Lm and Lh enhancing this by 10.79% and 41.50% compared to Ll. Furthermore, photosynthetic performance under e[CO2] was further evidenced by improved chlorophyll fluorescence parameters (excluding non-photochemical quenching). While both e[CO2] and increased PPFD Photosynthetic performance under e[CO2] was further evidenced by improved chlorophyll fluorescence parameters (excluding non-photochemical quenching). Moreover, e[CO2]-Lh treatment maximized total dry mass and seedling health index. Correlation analysis indicated that synergistic optimization of stomatal traits and leaf structure under a combination of e[CO2] and increased PPFD enhanced light harvesting and CO2 diffusion, thereby promoting carbon assimilation. These findings highlight e[CO2]-Lh as an optimal strategy for tomato seedling growth, providing empirical guidance for precision CO2 fertilization and light management in controlled cultivation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Latest Advances in Horticulture Production Equipment and Technology)
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15 pages, 4259 KiB  
Article
Effects of Different Densities of Carbon Dioxide Generation Bags on Cucumber Growth and Yield
by Yuhan Li, Shuyi Zhu, Junchao Hu, Shenbo Guo, Huifeng Shi and Yanfei Cao
Horticulturae 2025, 11(2), 218; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11020218 - 18 Feb 2025
Viewed by 630
Abstract
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is one of the important factors affecting vegetable yield in controlled environments. This study used cucumber as an experimental material to investigate the effects of hanging different amounts of CO2 generation bags (CGBs) on the growth of [...] Read more.
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is one of the important factors affecting vegetable yield in controlled environments. This study used cucumber as an experimental material to investigate the effects of hanging different amounts of CO2 generation bags (CGBs) on the growth of temperature-loving vegetables under facility soil cultivation. CGBs of three different densities were set up: no application (TC), eight bags/265 m2 (T1), and sixteen bags/265 m2 (T2). The results showed the following: (1) Hanging CGBs at different densities significantly impacted indoor CO2 concentration. Light, temperature, and humidity also affected CO2 concentration to a certain extent. (2) The application of CGBs improved cucumber growth, photosynthesis, and quality-related indexes, resulting in a 28.9% increased yield compared to the control group. (3) The economic benefits of CGB application in each group were analyzed, revealing the economic benefits of high-density CGB cultivation on solar greenhouse cucumber. This study explored a low-cost and effective CO2 generation application mode. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Latest Advances in Horticulture Production Equipment and Technology)
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16 pages, 2967 KiB  
Article
Study on the Effect of Non-Uniform Ventilation on Energy and Plant Growth in a Greenhouse
by Ziteng Wang, Aiqun Bao, Jialei Li, Jinhong He, Kaiwen Wang, Xinke Wang and Xianpeng Sun
Horticulturae 2025, 11(2), 166; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11020166 - 5 Feb 2025
Viewed by 867
Abstract
The progress of local environmental regulation in protected agriculture is sluggish, particularly concerning the local air supply, which poses a significant obstacle to greenhouse energy-saving research. This study establishes a test platform for local air supply in winter and summer by integrating design [...] Read more.
The progress of local environmental regulation in protected agriculture is sluggish, particularly concerning the local air supply, which poses a significant obstacle to greenhouse energy-saving research. This study establishes a test platform for local air supply in winter and summer by integrating design principles from human settlements’ supply air bag models with crop growth requirements. By utilizing a supply air bag to direct fresh air from the air conditioning system to specific areas within the greenhouse, non-uniform ventilation is created. Research has revealed that varying air supply levels in summer exerts a significant influence on environmental conditions, crop growth, and energy efficiency. Noticeable temperature stratification and cooling effects were observed within the conditioning greenhouse. The growth of lettuce was moderately enhanced, with mid-level local air supply demonstrating superior cooling effectiveness and range compared to the other two levels. Optimal control efficacy and energy conservation were achieved through mid-level local air supply. During daytime experiments in winter, this system did not have a significant impact on the greenhouse environment; however, during nighttime experiments, it consistently provided warming effects to maintain temperatures above the minimum requirement for lettuce growth. Therefore, utilizing air supply bags at secure specific positions and implementing targeted air supply methods within cultivation areas in greenhouses can facilitate the creation of suitable local environments for crop growth while achieving energy savings. Future research in this field could focus on further refining air supply bag models to enhance energy efficiency and local environmental control effects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Latest Advances in Horticulture Production Equipment and Technology)
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