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Horticulturae
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Nutrition Management and Weed Management Strategies in Horticultural Plants
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Nutrition Management and Weed Management Strategies in Horticultural Plants

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 27 November 2026 | Viewed by 11773

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Nebojša Nikolić

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment—DAFNAE, University of Padua, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
Interests: precision weed control; invasive weed species; seed germination; weed emergence; innovative solutions for weed control
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Marco Sozzi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Land, Environment, Agriculture and Forestry, University of Padova, Viale dell’Università 16, 35020 Legnaro, PD, Italy
Interests: commercial agricultural robots (CARs); farm machinery; computer vision in agriculture; agricultural sprayer; mechanization of intercropping systems; remote sensing
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Giampaolo Zanin

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment—DAFNAE, University of Padua, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
Interests: floriculture; ornamental plants; nutrient management; crop physiology; environment protected cultivation; horticulture; plant nutrition; fertilizers; crop production; sustainability; vegetable production; fertigation; hydroponics; micropropagation

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Horticultural crops, including vegetables, medicinal plants, aromatic species, and ornamentals, play a vital role in human nutrition, medicine, and esthetic enrichment. Moreover, horticultural crops are fundamental in several industries (e.g., fabrics). Mineral nutrients are essential in plant growth and development; achieving optimal production levels in these crops requires effective and balanced nutrition management, as imbalances can significantly limit horticultural productivity, impacting both yield and quality. Weeds are another critical, but often overlooked, challenge in horticultural systems. They compete, often very successfully, with crops for essential nutrients, exacerbating stress in plants and reducing overall productivity. Addressing weed competition is essential in maintaining nutrient availability and achieving sustainable production goals. This Special Issue will bring together innovative research and insights into managing nutrition and weeds in horticultural systems. We welcome contributions exploring diverse topics, including advanced nutritional strategies tailored to specific crops, site-specific nutrient management, the role of nutrient balance in stress tolerance, sustainable and environmentally friendly weed control methods, and integrated approaches to simultaneously addressing these challenges. By emphasizing sustainable practices and innovations, this Special Issue will provide practical solutions to enhance horticultural productivity while preserving environmental resources. We invite the submission of original research, reviews, and case studies that contribute to the advancement of knowledge in these crucial areas of horticultural science.

Dr. Nebojša Nikolić
Dr. Marco Sozzi
Prof. Dr. Giampaolo Zanin
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. 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

  • sustainable horticulture
  • crop–weed competition
  • innovations in horticultural practices
  • weed management
  • nutrient use efficiency
  • weed management

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review

18 pages, 448 KB  
Article
Low-Dose Micronized Biochar Enhances Vegetative and Physiological Traits of Vitis vinifera and Improves Soil Quality in Organic Cultivation: A Two Year-Experiment in Tuscany
by Costanza Ceccanti, Ermes Lo Piccolo, Michelangelo Becagli, Roberto Cardelli, Lucia Guidi, Ludovica Bigozzi, Giacomo Bianchini, Lorenzo D’Asaro and Marco Landi
Horticulturae 2026, 12(6), 672; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12060672 (registering DOI) - 28 May 2026
Abstract
A two-year field experiment was conducted in an organic vineyard in Tuscany (Italy), to evaluate the effects of micronized biochar (0.5% v/v) applied via fertigation on soil fertility/biological quality and Vitis vinifera performance. The biochar, derived from pyrogasified mixed wood, was compared [...] Read more.
A two-year field experiment was conducted in an organic vineyard in Tuscany (Italy), to evaluate the effects of micronized biochar (0.5% v/v) applied via fertigation on soil fertility/biological quality and Vitis vinifera performance. The biochar, derived from pyrogasified mixed wood, was compared to watered controls (CTR) following a randomized plot design. Soil chemical properties, dehydrogenase (DHA) and alkaline phosphatase (APA) activities, and plant parameters (biomass, leaf area, gas exchange, chlorophyll, flavonols, and foliar nutrients) were assessed in samples collected in July and September (2021 and 2022). Biochar did not significantly alter total and dissolved organic carbon contents or nitrogen fractions but enhanced DHA and APA activities, alongside increased available phosphorous content (+37.5%) and exchangeable potassium content (+7.1 and +19.7% in September 2021 and July 2022, respectively), indicating improved microbial activity and nutrient availability. Conversely, exchangeable calcium and magnesium contents decreased, likely due to biochar adsorption properties. Plant responses included increased leaf area and dry biomass in 2022, elevated net photosynthesis rate (+14.4%) and apparent carboxylation efficiency, and transient increases in foliar nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium contents, with reduced magnesium concentration (–27%) but stable chlorophyll levels. These findings suggest that low doses of micronized biochar may enhance soil quality and vine physiology, supporting its efficient and effective use in organic vineyards. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition Management and Weed Management Strategies in Horticultural Plants)
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41 pages, 38277 KB  
Article
Temporal Accumulation and Partitioning of Mineral Nutrients in Developing Macadamia Fruit
by Suzy Y. Rogiers, Jean T. Page, Manisha Thapa, Kwanho Jeong and Terry J. Rose
Horticulturae 2026, 12(5), 522; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12050522 - 24 Apr 2026
Viewed by 967
Abstract
This study quantified nutrient accumulation and partitioning among the kernel, shell, husk, rachis, and leaves during fruit development in three macadamia cultivars. Racemes and leaves were sampled at biweekly intervals until kernel maturity. The shell and rachis ceased to accumulate biomass earlier in [...] Read more.
This study quantified nutrient accumulation and partitioning among the kernel, shell, husk, rachis, and leaves during fruit development in three macadamia cultivars. Racemes and leaves were sampled at biweekly intervals until kernel maturity. The shell and rachis ceased to accumulate biomass earlier in the season than the husk or kernel. Nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) were the dominant nutrients accumulated in the fruit. Despite declining concentrations between 80 and 140 DAF, total kernel nutrient content continued to increase, indicating sustained nutrient import during this critical period. The kernel was the primary sink for N, phosphorus (P), sulfur (S), and magnesium (Mg), with peak accumulation occurring during rapid kernel growth at 80–175 days after flowering (DAF). In contrast, the accumulation of calcium (Ca) and manganese (Mn) into the kernel ceased earlier, suggesting limited late-stage mobility. The husk accumulated more K than the kernel and remained an active sink for K, S, Mg, Ca, and Mn until maturity, while N, P, and boron (B) accumulation slowed after ~107 DAF. The shell contributed minimally to nutrient demand, with N, zinc (Zn), and B accumulation ceasing after shell hardening (90–110 DAF). The cultivars exhibited consistent temporal patterns, differing mainly in magnitude. Nutrient partitioning efficiency among-the fruit components was highest for cv. A38. The rachis acted as a transient sink early in development before declining in mobile nutrients, while leaf nutrient dynamics did not reflect fruit demand. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition Management and Weed Management Strategies in Horticultural Plants)
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23 pages, 1440 KB  
Article
Effect of Microbial Biostimulants and Growing System on the Morphological, Nutritional, and Phytochemical Profile of Sonchus oleraceus Plants
by Nikolaos Polyzos, Antonios Chrysargyris, Maria del Mar Alguacil, Nikolaos Tzortzakis and Spyridon A. Petropoulos
Horticulturae 2026, 12(4), 499; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12040499 - 20 Apr 2026
Viewed by 985
Abstract
The application of biostimulants is a promising tool for enhancing plant growth and crop quality in the context of sustainable and resilient agricultural production. This study evaluated four microbial biostimulants (IMB1–4) on Sonchus oleraceus L. under field and pot cultivation. Our results indicate [...] Read more.
The application of biostimulants is a promising tool for enhancing plant growth and crop quality in the context of sustainable and resilient agricultural production. This study evaluated four microbial biostimulants (IMB1–4) on Sonchus oleraceus L. under field and pot cultivation. Our results indicate that the growing system was a more dominant factor than biostimulants in influencing plant performance. For morphological and growth traits, biostimulants generally had a neutral or negative impact compared with untreated plants, with IMB3 consistently showing the lowest performance. Field-grown plants, especially the untreated ones, excelled in plant weight and leaf count, while pot-grown plants treated with IMB2 and IMB4 achieved higher leaf weight per plant, leaf area, and chlorophyll index (SPAD). Specifically, untreated field plants recorded the highest biomass, whereas IMB2 and IMB4 optimized leaf traits in pots. Biostimulant applications enhanced fat content and energetic value, with IMB1 and IMB2 yielding the highest protein levels. Pot cultivation favored the accumulation of nitrogen, phosphorus, and sodium, while IMB2-treated pot plants proved most effective for maximizing overall nutrient content. The phytochemical profile also varied by system: pot-grown plants yielded higher total phenols, particularly with IMB3, while field-grown plants recorded higher flavonoids, especially with IMB4. Furthermore, untreated or IMB3-treated pot plants exhibited the highest antioxidant activity, significantly outperforming field-grown counterparts. In conclusion, while biostimulants did not improve morphological and growth traits, they significantly enhanced the nutritional and phytochemical quality of S. oleraceus L., particularly in the pot cultivation system, where specific biostimulants (IMB2 and IMB3) resulted in nutrient-dense crops with high antioxidant value. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition Management and Weed Management Strategies in Horticultural Plants)
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20 pages, 1461 KB  
Article
Cu and Pb Co-Contamination Accelerates the Decomposition Rate of Litter from Invasive Aquatic Plant Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms and the Effect Increases with Its Invasion Degree
by Yizhuo Du, Yingsheng Liu, Xiaoxuan Geng, Yue Li, Chuang Li, Yulong Zhang, Congyan Wang and Daolin Du
Horticulturae 2025, 11(7), 768; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11070768 - 2 Jul 2025
Viewed by 841
Abstract
Invasive and native plants can coexist in the same ecosystem. Thus, the fallen leaves of invasive and native plants can be mixed, which can lead to co-decomposition. Invasive plants can create microenvironmental conditions conducive to their invasion process by influencing soil physicochemical properties, [...] Read more.
Invasive and native plants can coexist in the same ecosystem. Thus, the fallen leaves of invasive and native plants can be mixed, which can lead to co-decomposition. Invasive plants can create microenvironmental conditions conducive to their invasion process by influencing soil physicochemical properties, soil nutrient contents, and soil enzymatic activities through litter decomposition by released metabolites. Heavy metal contamination may affect the litter decomposition of invasive plants. This study was designed to elucidate the effects of the mono- and co-decomposition of the leaves of the invasive aquatic plant Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms (Common Water Hyacinth) and the native aquatic plant Nymphaea tetragona Georgi (Pygmy Water-Lily) on soil physicochemical properties, soil nutrient contents, and soil enzymatic activities under the mono- and co-contamination of Cu and Pb. This study was conducted over a six-month period using a polyethylene litter bag experiment. The type of heavy metals may be the most significant factor influencing the differences in the decomposition rate between E. crassipes and N. tetragona. The co-contamination of Cu and Pb increased the decomposition rate of the leaves of E. crassipes and the decomposition rate also increased as the invasion degree of E. crassipes increased relative to N. tetragona. The co-decomposition of the leaves of the two aquatic plants showed an antagonistic response under the mono-contamination of Pb and the control, but presented a synergistic response under the mono-contamination of Cu and the co-contamination of Cu and Pb, regardless of the invasion degree of E. crassipes. Soil enzymatic activities, especially the activities of polyphenol oxidase and cellulase, may be a significant factor influencing the litter decomposition of the two aquatic plants. Consequently, heavy metal contamination may affect the invasion process of E. crassipes with regard to the regulation of the released metabolites during the decomposition process, and this is specifically modulated by the type of heavy metals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition Management and Weed Management Strategies in Horticultural Plants)
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14 pages, 3230 KB  
Article
Foliar Application of a Mixture of Amino Acid-Based Growth Promoters Enhances Tomato Seedling Production
by Alexander Calero Hurtado, Jorge Félix Meléndrez Rodríguez, Kolima Peña Calzada, Yanery Pérez Díaz and Alay Jiménez Medina
Horticulturae 2025, 11(6), 582; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11060582 - 24 May 2025
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4485
Abstract
A mixture of amino acids, including aspartic acid, arginine, glycine, and tryptophan, can effectively promote tomato seedling growth. This research aimed to evaluate how the foliar spraying of an amino acid mixture, applied at various doses and intervals, influences the growth of tomato [...] Read more.
A mixture of amino acids, including aspartic acid, arginine, glycine, and tryptophan, can effectively promote tomato seedling growth. This research aimed to evaluate how the foliar spraying of an amino acid mixture, applied at various doses and intervals, influences the growth of tomato seedlings in a traditional seedbed. An experiment was conducted in the field, with the treatments distributed in a factorial arrangement (3 × 2) in a completely randomized block design with five replications. The growth parameters of tomato seedlings were improved by combining three doses of the amino acid mixture (0.25, 0.50, and 0.75 L ha−1 as VIUSID® agro) with two application intervals (weekly and biweekly). Results indicated that the foliar application of an amino acid mixture at 0.25 L ha−1 weekly enhances stem thickness, stem length, root length, leaf area index, root, shoot, and total dry biomass accumulation. Therefore, investing in the production of robust and high-quality tomato seedlings can lead to improved establishment, faster growth and development, reduced losses, and earlier and higher yields. This discovery indicates that using weekly low doses of the mixture of amino acids could be an effective and environmentally friendly option for improving tomato seedling production in traditional seedbed conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition Management and Weed Management Strategies in Horticultural Plants)
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26 pages, 6177 KB  
Article
On-Farm Evaluation of Direct Seeding of Cover Crop Effects on Soil C and N Reserves and Greenhouse Gas Emissions in a Cauliflower Production System
by Bruna da Rosa Dutra, Paulo Henrique da Silva Câmara, Denílson Dortzbach, Lucas Raimundo Rauber, Lucas Dupont Giumbelli, Cimélio Bayer, Marcelo Zanella, Júlio César Ramos, José Luiz Rodrigues Torres, Paulo Emílio Lovato and Arcângelo Loss
Horticulturae 2025, 11(4), 396; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11040396 - 8 Apr 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2208
Abstract
Vegetable production primarily relies on the conventional tillage system (CTS), which leads to soil degradation through erosion and reduced soil health. The use of no-tillage vegetable systems (NTVS) aims to mitigate these issues; however, information about the impact of this management system on [...] Read more.
Vegetable production primarily relies on the conventional tillage system (CTS), which leads to soil degradation through erosion and reduced soil health. The use of no-tillage vegetable systems (NTVS) aims to mitigate these issues; however, information about the impact of this management system on soil health and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions remains limited. Thus, the objective of this study was to conduct an on-farm evaluation of the effects of no-tillage and cover crop use on soil C and N contents and stocks, soil bulk density (SD), mean geometric diameter (MGD) of aggregates, soil temperature, volumetric soil moisture (VM), plant yield, and GHG emissions in cauliflower production under NTVS compared to CTS in a subtropical ecosystem in southeastern Brazil. Chemical and physical properties were assessed at depths of 0–5, 5–10, and 10–30 cm. GHG emissions, particularly nitrous oxide (N2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), and methane (CH4) were measured using closed static chambers and gas chromatography. NTVS with cover crop mixes had higher yield than CTS without cover crops (25.1 and 18.4 Mg ha−1, respectively). NTVS exhibited increased MGD and VM and reduced SD. Soil temperature in the 0–5 cm layer was lower in NTVS than in CTS. Soil C and N stocks were higher in NTVS, but high N2O emissions offset this advantage compared to CTS. Overall, NTVS emitted more CO2 and N2O than CTS, while both systems showed soil CH4 uptake. NTVS maintained sufficient carbon equivalent reserves (0–30 cm) to offset GHG emissions, making it a viable alternative for plant yield and soil quality; however, its environmental impact on GHG emissions requires further attention. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition Management and Weed Management Strategies in Horticultural Plants)
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Review

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24 pages, 1119 KB  
Review
From Garden to Weed: Invasive Ornamental Plants in Europe and Emerging Challenges for Biodiversity, Agroecosystems, Agriculture and Management
by Nebojša Nikolić, Marco Sozzi and Giampaolo Zanin
Horticulturae 2026, 12(2), 257; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12020257 - 23 Feb 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1427
Abstract
Ornamental horticulture represents one of the dominant pathways for the introduction of alien plant species and has played a central role in shaping current and future invasion dynamics. Many ornamental plants escape cultivation after long lag phases, driven by high propagule pressure, human-mediated [...] Read more.
Ornamental horticulture represents one of the dominant pathways for the introduction of alien plant species and has played a central role in shaping current and future invasion dynamics. Many ornamental plants escape cultivation after long lag phases, driven by high propagule pressure, human-mediated selection of functional traits, and increasing climatic suitability. As a result, ornamental species contribute substantially to Europe’s invasion debt, with many future invasions already “locked in” under ongoing global change. In this review, we synthesize current knowledge on the invasive risk of ornamental plants in Europe, examining introduction pathways, biological traits promoting invasiveness, the role of climate change, and the ecological, economic, and social impacts associated with ornamental plant invasions. We highlight that beyond biodiversity loss, invasive ornamental plants pose underappreciated threats to agriculture and related activities, including increased management costs, weed problems in managed landscapes, and disruption of water management and irrigation infrastructure, particularly through invasive aquatic species. We further review tools for risk assessment and prevention, including weed risk assessment frameworks, green lists, horizon scanning, and climate-informed spatial forecasting, emphasizing the importance of proactive, pathway-based approaches. Where prevention fails, management of established invasive ornamentals relies on integrated strategies combining mechanical, chemical, and biological control, often generating large quantities of biomass and long-term economic costs. We discuss the emerging but still limited potential of invasive plant biomass valorization as a complementary management option, highlighting both opportunities and constraints. Finally, we discuss implications for horticultural practices, policy development, and future research, arguing that reconciling ornamental horticulture with biodiversity conservation and sustainable agriculture will require anticipatory governance, stakeholder engagement, and climate-aware decision-making. By aligning horticultural innovation with invasion risk awareness, it may be possible to reduce future invasions while maintaining the social and economic benefits of ornamental plant use in Europe. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition Management and Weed Management Strategies in Horticultural Plants)
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