10th Anniversary of Horticulturae: Sustainable Practices in Table Grape Production
A special issue of Horticulturae (ISSN 2311-7524).
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 October 2025 | Viewed by 51
Special Issue Editors
Interests: horticulture; fruit crops; post-harvest; fruit ripening
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Interests: grape genetics and breeding; variety value research
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Sustainability in table grape production has become an increasingly critical area of focus as global demand for these fruits continues to grow. Producers are adopting innovative practices that minimize their environmental impact while ensuring economic viability and social responsibility. A cornerstone of sustainable table grape production is the efficient use of natural resources. This includes implementing advanced irrigation systems like drip irrigation, which minimizes water waste, and utilizing soil moisture sensors to optimize watering schedules. By reducing excessive water consumption, these practices not only conserve resources but also enhance the health and productivity of vineyards.
Another significant aspect of sustainable practices is the reduction of the chemical inputs used in grape production. Integrated pest management (IPM) strategies have gained prominence, combining biological controls, such as the use of beneficial insects, with minimal chemical interventions to manage pests and diseases. Additionally, organic farming practices, including the use of compost and green manure, enrich soil fertility without relying on synthetic fertilizers. These approaches contribute to preserving biodiversity, improving soil health, and ensuring the production of safer, chemical-free grapes.
In addition to resource management, the breeding of table grapes plays a crucial role in advancing sustainability. Modern breeding programs focus on developing grape varieties that are resistant to pests and diseases, such as downy mildew and powdery mildew, reducing the need for chemical pesticides. Varieties bred for drought tolerance also enable production in water-scarce regions, conserving precious resources. Furthermore, breeding efforts aim to enhance traits related to fruit quality, such as sweetness, seedlessness, and extended shelf life, catering to consumer preferences while reducing food waste in the supply chain.
Beyond environmental concerns, sustainability in table grape production also addresses social and economic factors. Fair labor practices, worker training programs, and community engagement initiatives ensure that grape production benefits local populations. Moreover, producers are increasingly incorporating renewable energy sources, such as solar power, into their operations to reduce their carbon footprint. The integration of these multifaceted sustainability practices not only supports the long-term viability of the industry but also aligns with the growing consumer preference for environmentally and socially responsible products.
In this new Special Issue “10th Anniversary of Horticulturae: Sustainable Practices in Table Grape Production”, authors are welcome to submit original papers and reviews and to share their achievements in this subject.
Dr. Sergio Ruffo Roberto
Dr. Gizella Gyorffyne Jahnke
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
- sustainability
- table grape production
- drip irrigation
- soil health
- breeding programs
- pest resistance
- disease resistance
- drought tolerance
- fruit quality
- seedlessness
- shelf life
- chemical pesticides
- mechanical harvesting
- fair labor practices
- renewable energy
- carbon footprint
- food waste
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