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Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) to Improve the Sustainability of Horticultural Ecosystems

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A special issue of Horticulturae (ISSN 2311-7524). This special issue belongs to the section "Protected Culture".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 January 2026 | Viewed by 7931

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Gheorghe Cristian Popescu

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Guest Editor

Department of Applied Sciences and Environmental Engineering, National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
Interests: sustainability; policies and legislation; environment; horticulture; rural development

Dr. Mehmet Yaman

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Guest Editor

Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Erciyes University, Kayseri 38030, Türkiye
Interests: agricultural sciences; agriculture; horticultural plants; fruit breeding and breeding; genetics; phytochemicals

Dr. Monica Popescu

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Guest Editor

Department of Natural Sciences, National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest, University Center of Pitesti, 110040 Pitești, Romania
Interests: plant physiology; ecophysiology; postharvest physiology; sustainability

Dr. Beppe Benedetto Consentino

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Guest Editor

Department of Agricultural, Food and Forest Sciences, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, 90128 Palermo, Italy
Interests: horticulture; grafting; biostimulants; biofortification; vegetable crops
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The horticulture sector faces a series of challenges related to environmental protection, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, climate change, and the achievement of healthy, sustainable, and competitive productions. Adopting nature-based solutions (NBSs) in horticulture may be an innovative approach to address current challenges.

Therefore, horticultural ecosystems need environmentally friendly technologies and practices that agree with the principles of sustainable development and environmental protection.

NBS includes a wide range of tools or practices, such as the use of arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi (AMF), plant-growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB), cover crops, and landscape features.

This Special Issue aims to provide valuable insight into the latest advancements using nature-based solutions to improve the sustainability of horticultural ecosystems. All types of articles, such as original research papers, reviews, and opinions, are welcome.

Dr. Gheorghe Cristian Popescu
Dr. Mehmet Yaman
Dr. Monica Popescu
Dr. Beppe Benedetto Consentino
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

arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi (AMF)
innovative approach
sustainability
plant-growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB)
natural processes
nature-based solutions
horticulture

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

20 pages, 3240 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Emergence of Autotoxicity in Closed Hydroponic Cultivation of Basil and Its Recovery by Compost Tea Application

by Andrea De Sio, Mauro Moreno, Stefano Mazzoleni, Stefania Cozzolino, Pietro Caggiano, Giovanna Ceriello, Giuliano Bonanomi, Chiara Cirillo and Fabrizio Carteni

Horticulturae 2025, 11(12), 1493; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11121493 - 10 Dec 2025

Abstract

Hydroponic systems enable constant and high-quality crop yields while avoiding soil-borne diseases and significant pedoclimatic limitations. Recycling nutrient solutions (NSs) makes these systems more environmentally friendly, but long-term cultivation often leads to a decline in the quality and quantity of final products. Biochar and compost tea (CT) are an emerging nature-based solution known to improve both soil and plant health. This study investigates whether biochar or CT treatments can counteract the physiological and productive decline observed in recycled hydroponic systems. We established a closed floating raft system in a controlled-environment greenhouse, cultivated basil (Ocimum basilicum L. cv. Eleonora) over five cycles (conditioning phase), and then performed a last cycle (recovery phase) with the application of either compost tea or biochar filtration. Plant physiology and growth parameters were monitored. As expected, basil plants grown in untreated recycled NS showed significantly lower yields and dry matter content and reduced physiological values compared to controls (fresh NS). Among the applied treatments, biochar did not show any recovery function, whereas CT treatments fully restored physiological parameters and growth performance in a concentration-dependent manner. Recycled hydroponic systems often lead to physiological decline in plants, which can be effectively counteracted by CT treatments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) to Improve the Sustainability of Horticultural Ecosystems)

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15 pages, 1458 KB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Evaluation of Organic and Synthetic Fertilizers on Lettuce Yield and Metabolomic Profiles

by Ana García-Rández, Luciano Orden, Silvia Sánchez-Méndez, Francisco Javier Andreu-Rodríguez, José Antonio Sáez-Tovar, Encarnación Martínez-Sabater, María de los Ángeles Bustamante, María Dolores Pérez-Murcia and Raúl Moral

Horticulturae 2025, 11(12), 1421; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11121421 - 24 Nov 2025

Viewed by 348

Abstract

The excessive use of synthetic fertilizers in agriculture has raised environmental concerns, prompting the search for sustainable alternatives, such as organic amendments. This study evaluated the agronomic performance, nutrient use efficiency and metabolomic profiles of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. var. baby leaf) cultivated using synthetic and organic (olive mill waste-based compost pellets and sewage sludge) in a controlled pot experiment. The treatments included three doses of inorganic fertilizer and two organic fertilizers applied at equivalent nitrogen (N) rates, alongside an unfertilized control. Soil physicochemical properties, plant biomass, nutrient uptake and metabolite profiles, including amino acids, sugars and organic acids, were analyzed. Inorganic fertilization rapidly increased soil mineral N and phosphorus (P), enhancing leaf chlorophyll, canopy development and fresh biomass, and promoting the accumulation of reducing sugars (p < 0.05). However, it reduced amino acid and phenolic levels, indicating a metabolic shift towards growth at the expense of stress and antioxidant compounds. Sewage sludge increased soil organic matter and amino acid and sucrose accumulation, but also induced stress-related metabolites. Pelletized compost maintained an intermediate level of nutrient availability, preserved phenolic compounds and improved phosphorus use efficiency. This surpassed the results achieved with sewage sludge in terms of dry matter yield, despite limited short-term growth stimulation. These findings highlight the potential of integrating moderate mineral fertilization with pelletized compost to balance immediate productivity, nutrient efficiency and long-term soil and metabolic quality in lettuce cultivation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) to Improve the Sustainability of Horticultural Ecosystems)

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20 pages, 1801 KB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing the Impact of Compost and Compost Tea on Water Stress Mitigation in Tomato Plants Under In Vitro and Pot Conditions

by Ana Isabel González-Hernández, Javier Plaza, Manuel César Alayo-Reyes, María Ángeles Gómez-Sánchez, Rodrigo Pérez-Sánchez and María Remedios Morales-Corts

Horticulturae 2025, 11(11), 1386; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11111386 - 17 Nov 2025

Viewed by 380

Abstract

Water scarcity is a major constraint to agricultural productivity, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. This study evaluated the effects of gardening waste-based compost and compost tea (CT) on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) plants subjected to osmotic and water deficit stress. The first experiment assessed seed germination and early growth under polyethylene glycol (PEG)-induced osmotic stress. An inverse correlation between PEG concentration and seed and plant development was found. CT improved the germination rate and early seedling development under moderate stress (2% PEG). The second experiment examined the effect of compost and CT on tomato growth in a 45-day pot trial under three irrigation levels: 100%, 60%, and 40% field capacity (FC). Compost-treated plants consistently showed significantly greater growth and biomass accumulation across all FC levels, especially under moderate water stress. In contrast, CT-treated plants showed a general reduction in growth parameters. In addition, there was a positive association between compost treatment and multiple growth traits, particularly under reduced irrigation conditions. These findings underscore the beneficial effects of compost on plant performance under drought conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) to Improve the Sustainability of Horticultural Ecosystems)

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16 pages, 4731 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Effects of High Root-Zone Temperature on the Physiology and Growth of Pear (Pyrus communis L., cv. Bartlett) and Quince (Cydonia oblonga Mill., cv. BA29) Plants

by Kaies Mezrioui, Enrico Maria Lodolini, Veronica Giorgi and Davide Neri

Horticulturae 2025, 11(11), 1337; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11111337 - 5 Nov 2025

Viewed by 441

Abstract

Global warming, with rising average temperatures and increasingly frequent extreme heat events, poses a major threat to fruit production systems and food security. Understanding how fruit trees respond to soil thermal stress is therefore critical for developing climate-resilient orchards. In this study, we investigated the physiological and growth responses of potted pear (Pyrus communis) and quince (Cydonia oblonga) plants to root-zone heating. Plants were exposed to different substrate heating regimes, and gas exchange, water status, chlorophyll content, shoot growth, and biomass allocation were assessed. Short-term extreme heating (50 °C for 36 h) caused immediate reductions in gas exchange, severe root and shoot damage, and rapid plant mortality in both species. By contrast, prolonged heating at 40/35 °C induced significant declines in gas exchange, shoot growth, and root biomass, with species-specific differences. Pear exhibited greater sensitivity than quince, showing lower shoot growth, root dry weight, and gas exchange. These findings highlight the vulnerability of pear trees to high root-zone temperatures and the limited contrast between the tested rootstocks. Accordingly, there is a clear need for targeted soil management practices that promote root growth and soil exploration to enhance orchard resilience under future climate scenarios. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) to Improve the Sustainability of Horticultural Ecosystems)

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18 pages, 2085 KB

Open AccessArticle

Geographical Origin Affects the Nut Traits, Bioactive Compounds, and Fatty Acid Composition of Turkish Hazelnut Cultivars (Corylus avellana L. cvs. Çakıldak, Palaz, and Tombul)

by Haydar Kurt and Orhan Karakaya

Horticulturae 2025, 11(8), 987; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11080987 - 20 Aug 2025

Viewed by 916

Abstract

Hazelnuts are valuable for human health and nutrition. They are also an economically important type of nut. This study was conducted to determine the effect of different geographical origins (Giresun, Ordu, and Samsun/Türkiye) on the nut characteristics, bioactive compounds, and fatty acid composition of three hazelnut cultivars (cvs. Çakıldak, Palaz, and Tombul). The highest nut and kernel weights and sizes were determined to be in all cultivars in Samsun. The highest kernel ratio was recorded in the Çakıldak and Palaz cultivars grown in Giresun. However, shell thickness was not affected by geographical origin. The highest levels of total phenolics and total flavonoids were recorded in all cultivars in Samsun. The antioxidant activity of the cultivars differed according to geographical origin. The highest oleic acid was found in all cultivars in Giresun, while the highest linoleic acid was observed in those grown in Ordu. Generally, the highest results in terms of other fatty acids were recorded in all cultivars in Samsun. According to the results of the principal component analysis (PCA), the cultivars grown in the Samsun region were generally related to better nut traits and phenolics, while the cultivars grown in the Giresun and Ordu regions were associated with better antioxidant activity and fatty acid composition. This study shows that the nut traits, bioactive compounds, and fatty acid composition of hazelnuts are affected by geographical differences. These results provide valuable insights for hazelnut growers and the food industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) to Improve the Sustainability of Horticultural Ecosystems)

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22 pages, 3178 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Soil and Root Responses in Hazelnut Rhizosphere to Inoculate Rhizobacteria Immobilized via JetCutter Technology

by Solange V. Benítez, Rocío Carrasco, Antonio Roldán, Fuensanta Caravaca, Manuel Campoy, Joaquín Cofré, José Ortiz, Juan D. Giraldo and Mauricio Schoebitz

Horticulturae 2025, 11(7), 808; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11070808 - 8 Jul 2025

Viewed by 1235

Abstract

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) have significant potential for enhancing soil quality and plant growth; however, their agricultural application is limited by challenges such as immobilization and desiccation vulnerability. Background: This study addressed PGPR solid formulation by applying JetCutter-assisted immobilization technology to PGPR strains isolated from the rhizosphere of hazelnut (Corylus avellana). Methods: Four immobilized PGPR strains were evaluated under controlled greenhouse conditions: Serratia proteamaculans, Pseudomonas mohnii, Pseudomonas baetica, and Bacillus safensis. Their effects on root development, gas exchange parameters, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and soil enzymatic activities (phosphatase, urease, protease, and β-glucosidase) were assessed. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to identify the top-performing strain. Results: Treatment with encapsulated bacteria resulted in a 27% increase in DOC compared to controls (p < 0.05), while phosphatase and urease activities increased by 35% and 28%, respectively. Root length and volume improved by 18% and 22%, respectively, with PCA identifying P. baetica as the most effective strain. Conclusions: Immobilized Gram-negative PGPR strains enhanced root development and soil biochemical activity in hazelnuts, whereas B. safensis enhanced photosynthesis but had minimal impact on soil properties. These results highlight functional differences and support the use of PGPR immobilization to promote early plant establishment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) to Improve the Sustainability of Horticultural Ecosystems)

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17 pages, 8488 KB

Open AccessArticle

Edible Micro-Sized Composite Coating Applications on Post-Harvest Quality of Sweet Cherry Fruits

by Ercan Yıldız, Fatih Hancı, Mehmet Yaman, Gheorghe Cristian Popescu, Monica Popescu and Ahmet Sümbül

Horticulturae 2025, 11(3), 303; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11030303 - 11 Mar 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1478

Abstract

Active packaging using an edible coating could be an essential and sustainable alternative solution to preserve the properties of fruits and to prevent food loss and food waste. Fruits generate significant food wastes and losses. Reducing food waste is a global priority. For this research, nature-based solutions (NBSs) were applied, using micro-sized chitosan (CsMPs) and selenium microparticles (SeMPs), which are green-synthesized from black tea leaf extracts, and thyme essential oil. In this study, the effects of the new generation active food preservative coating agents formed from combinations of micro-sized chitosan (CsMPs) and selenium (SeMPs), and thyme essential oil (Oil) on the quality of “0900 Ziraat” sweet cherry fruits after harvest were investigated. After the fruits were coated with edible colloid solution, they were stored at 4 °C and 21 °C for 20 days, and quality parameter analyses were performed on days 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20. As a result of this study, it was determined that the application of CsMPs + SeMPs and the subsequent application of CsMPs + SeMPs + Oil from colloid solution coatings reduced weight loss, respiration, and decay rates. Also, it was determined that these applications were the most effective in preserving color values (L*, chroma, and hue), fruit firmness, total soluble solid (TSS) amount, acidity content and total phenolics, anthocyanin, and antioxidant capacity. These results show that CsMPs + SeMPs and CsMPs + SeMPs + Oil applications can be used as edible coatings to preserve the quality of sweet cherry fruits and extend their shelf life after harvest. This study’s results will contribute to obtaining micro-sized composite coating agents/agents produced with new technology to extend the shelf life. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) to Improve the Sustainability of Horticultural Ecosystems)

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19 pages, 3073 KB

Open AccessArticle

Characterization of Genetic Diversity of Mulberry (Morus alba) Genotypes Growing Naturally in Northeastern Türkiye (Kelkit Valley) Using Morphological, Biochemical, and Molecular Markers

by Ahmet Sümbül

Horticulturae 2025, 11(3), 298; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11030298 - 10 Mar 2025

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1918

Abstract

Türkiye has a unique position globally as it connects the Asian and European continents. In this study, the genetic diversity of a total of 27 mulberry (Morus alba) genotypes collected from northeastern Türkiye was evaluated in terms of morphological, biochemical, and molecular characteristics. In the fruits of the mulberry genotypes, the fruit weight (FW) ranged from 2.00 to 5.13 g, fruit width (Fw) ranged from 12.64 to 16.93 mm, and fruit length (FL) ranged from 20.89 to 32.34 mm. Total soluble solids (TSS) ranged from 16.56% to 26.00%, fruit pH ranged from 3.87 to 5.10, total phenolic content (TPC) ranged from 72.69 to 171.34 mg GAE/100 g, total flavonoid content (TFC) ranged from 75.55 to 86.85 mg QE 100/g, and antioxidant activity (AA) ranged from 42.35% to 74.93%. According to principal component analysis (PCA), the first three principal components (eigenvalue ≥ 1.00) explain 54.05% of the total variation. In general, the fruit and leaf characteristics were more effective in the first two principal components, while the biochemical traits were more effective in the third principal component. As a result of molecular analysis using 13 inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) primers, 94.23% of the total of 76 bands was polymorphic. Molecular variance analysis (AMOVA) showed that within the population, genetic variation was 79%, and among the populations, the variation was 21%. The similarities of the genotypes in the UPGMA dendrogram created according to the results of the molecular analysis varied between 0.74 and 0.98, and the genotypes were divided into two main groups. This study guides breeders in future studies by evaluating mulberry genotypes from morphological, biochemical, and molecular perspectives and explaining the wide variation among genotypes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) to Improve the Sustainability of Horticultural Ecosystems)

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