Advances in Citrus Physiology and Molecular Biology: From Genes to Orchard Performance

Dear Colleagues,

Citrus crops are among the most widely cultivated fruit trees worldwide, playing a critical role in food security, human nutrition, and economic development across diverse agroecosystems. However, the sustainability and productivity of the citrus industry are increasingly challenged by environmental stresses, pathogens, pests, and changing climate conditions.

To address these pressing issues, a deeper understanding of citrus physiology, from molecular signaling pathways to field-level performance, is needed. This Special Issue of Horticulturae aims to showcase cutting-edge research that unravels the complex biological processes driving citrus growth, development, and stress responses.

We invite contributions that bridge fundamental and applied research, combining insights in gene expression, hormonal regulation, and defense mechanisms with physiological responses observed in controlled and field environments. Studies that integrate molecular tools with practical agronomic strategies are especially encouraged, offering valuable guidance for growers, breeders, and researchers. Research focusing on specific aspects within this spectrum is equally encouraged. We welcome original research articles, reviews, and short communications on, but not limited to, the following topics:

• Effects of rootstock–scion combinations on citrus physiology and yield;
• Citrus responses to abiotic and biotic stresses;
• Resistance mechanisms and defense signaling pathways in citrus;
• Hormonal control of growth, flowering, and fruit development in citrus;
• Impact of cultural practices (e.g., irrigation, fertilization, pruning) on citrus growth and productivity;
• Advances and innovations in citrus production systems;
• Strategies for integrated management of citrus pests and diseases;
• Sustainable practices to improve citrus production and resource use efficiency;
• Physiology of fruit maturation, postharvest quality, and storage;
• Field studies on yield, tree performance, and physiological traits;
• Genetic and biotechnological tools to improve citrus stress tolerance and productivity

Dr. Deived Uilian De Carvalho
Dr. Fernando Alferez
Dr. Eduardo Augusto Girardi
Dr. Maria Aparecida Da Cruz Bejatto
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.