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Sustainable Plants and Practices for Resilient Urban Greening

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A special issue of Plants (ISSN 2223-7747). This special issue belongs to the section "Horticultural Science and Ornamental Plants".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2026) | Viewed by 10480

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Mirjana Ljubojevic

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Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
Interests: sustainable practices in horticulture; plant breeding; green solutions; urban gardening; circular economy
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Dr. Jelena Čukanović

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Guest Editor

Department for Fruit Growing, Viticulture, Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
Interests: horticulture; landscape architecture; dendrology; urban greening; urban environment; abiotic stress; ornamental plants; plant material; maintenance of green areas; sustainable practices; green infrastructure; ecosystem services
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Dr. Marko Kebert

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Institute of Lowland Forestry and Environment, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
Interests: plant biochemistry; abiotic and biotic stress; oxidative stress; priming; polyamine metabolism; mycorrhiza-induced resistance; phytoremediation; heavy metal-induced stress
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Dear Colleagues,

The urban environment is faced with numerous changes and challenges that are reflected in the functions performed by greenery in cities. Increasing air temperatures, increasing levels of air pollution, large amounts of precipitation and strong winds inevitably cause a need for new strategies regarding the selection of resistant plant species and sustainable practices in horticulture and landscape architecture.

It is crucial to recognize and use plant species that can produce positive results in the conditions of the urban environment. With the use of sustainable plant species, it is possible to ensure resilient and multifunctional landscapes in urban environments. Considering that, the scientific community must focus on finding methods that will lead to the appropriate selection of resilient plant species and conducting research related to the sustainable management of green areas in the increasingly challenging conditions of the urban environment. The application of resilient plant species would bring numerous benefits in cities, such as increasing the functionality of green areas and creating a favorable microclimate. This would have a positive effect on people's health, and the urban environment would become more favorable for the life of their inhabitants. In addition, it would lead to easier management of green spaces, which would become more functional and sustainable and therefore more economically profitable. Increasing the functionality and sustainability of green areas with resilient practices will bring the satisfaction to all users, above all the local communities, which will improve social well-being. Key guidelines for the achievement of the stated goals include the use of resistant, sustainable and climate-adapted plant species, which will firstly reduce the negative effects of climate change at first, as well as the need for intensive maintenance of green areas in climate change-affected cities. Sustainable practices would improve the quality of cities through sustainable and multifunctional green spaces that would fulfill all their functions, such as ecological, economic and social. The application of resilient plant species along with sustainable practices in urban landscapes would ensure an increase in the quality of life for all city inhabitants.

Yours faithfully,

Dr. Mirjana Ljubojevic
Dr. Jelena Čukanović
Dr. Marko Kebert
Guest Editors

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Keywords

adaptive plant species
resistant plant species for urban greening
urban landscape solutions
green infrastructure
nature-based solutions
urban green areas
plants’ mitigation of climate change
sustainable practices
sustainable management of green spaces
ecosystem services

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

22 pages, 1226 KB

Open AccessArticle

Genotype-Dependent Morphological and Antioxidant Responses of Wild Cherry (Prunus avium L.) to Salinity Stress In Vitro

by Vanja Vuksanović, Lazar Pavlović, Branislav Kovačević, Marko Kebert, Branislav Trudić, Milica Kovač and Saša Orlović

Plants 2026, 15(9), 1351; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15091351 - 28 Apr 2026

Abstract

Soil salinization is a major abiotic stressor limiting global agricultural and forestry productivity. This study aimed to assess the tolerance of four wild cherry (Prunus avium L.) genotypes (8-A, F-12, F-19, F-15) to salinity stress using the in vitro culture technique. Shoots were exposed to three NaCl concentrations (0—control treatment, 33, and 100 mM) in micropropagation medium under controlled laboratory conditions for 35 days. Morphological parameters, including shoot length, shoot number, survival and multiplication rate, shoot fresh and dry biomass, and shoot water content, were evaluated alongside biochemical markers such as total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant activities assessed through ferric reducing–antioxidant power (FRAP), ABTS radical scavenging, DPPH radical scavenging and nitric oxide (NO•) scavenging. Consistent with the experimental design, exposure to 100 mM NaCl significantly inhibited shoot growth and biomass accumulation, while survival was comparatively less affected. Genotypic variation was evident, with genotypes F-19 and F-12 demonstrating higher tolerance, maintaining greater growth and antioxidant capacity (FRAP and ABTS) under salt stress compared to more sensitive genotypes like 8-A and F-15. Phenolic and flavonoid contents were also reduced at 100 mM NaCl, suggesting that intense salinity stress limited the biosynthesis and accumulation of these antioxidant compounds. Nitric oxide scavenging activity remained largely unaffected by salinity in all genotypes, which may indicate that the applied stress levels were insufficient to markedly alter this component of the antioxidant response. The genotype F-19 emerged as the strongest salinity-tolerant genotype, retaining superior shoot number, multiplication rate, fresh/dry biomass and stable/increased total phenolic content (TPC) under 100 mM NaCl compared to other genotypes. This integrative in vitro approach effectively distinguished salt-tolerant wild cherry genotypes and offers a valuable screening tool for breeding and selection programmes targeting improved resilience to salinity stress. The findings have practical relevance for forestry, horticulture, landscape architecture and the restoration of salt-affected sites, particularly in the context of climate change. They also align with current European and global priorities focused on identifying genetically suitable reproductive material for resilient afforestation and ecosystem restoration under increased environmental stress. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Plants and Practices for Resilient Urban Greening)

15 pages, 2389 KB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluating the Suitability of Four Plant Functional Groups in Green Roofs Under Nitrogen Deposition

by Nan Yang, Hechen Li, Runze Wu, Yihan Wang, Meiyang Li, Lei Chen, Hongyuan Li and Guang Hao

Plants 2026, 15(1), 43; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15010043 - 23 Dec 2025

Viewed by 544

Abstract

The rapid urban expansion in the past few decades has resulted in a deficit of urban green space, and green roofs have become an effective way to expand urban green spaces. High nitrogen (N) deposition induced by urban development has threatened the health and sustainability of plants. The aim of this study was to evaluate the responses of plant growth performance and aesthetic value to N deposition in green roofs. Eleven species from four plant functional groups were grown under control, low N addition, and high N addition conditions to assess the effects of N addition on their growth performance, aesthetic value, soil properties, and plant functional traits. Different plant functional groups exhibited distinct traits, and their response to N addition was different. Under high N addition, the growth performance of sod-forming graminoids and tall forbs decreased by 47.0% and 23.7%, and their aesthetic value decreased by 24.4% and 16.2%, respectively. Growth performance of plant functional groups was mainly determined by plant functional traits rather than soil properties. The poor growth performance and aesthetic value of sod-forming graminoids and tall forbs challenged their widespread use under high N addition. This study highlighted the importance of selecting environmentally adaptive species from the perspective of plant functional groups, especially in the context of future high N deposition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Plants and Practices for Resilient Urban Greening)

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18 pages, 1408 KB

Open AccessArticle

Storm-Induced Wind Damage to Urban Trees and Residents’ Perceptions: Quantifying Species and Placement to Change Best Practices

by Attila Molnár V., Szabolcs Kis, Henrietta Bak, Timea Nagy, Attila Takács, Mark C. Mainwaring and Jenő Nagy

Plants 2025, 14(21), 3366; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14213366 - 3 Nov 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1481

Abstract

Tree-covered urban green spaces, including streets, parks, and other public areas, are vital for urban sustainability and people’s well-being. However, such trees face threats from the occurrence of extreme weather. In this study, we investigated wind damage to urban trees in the city of Debrecen, Hungary, during two severe windstorms in July 2025. Field surveys were conducted across three distinct urban zones, covering approximately 515,000 m² in total. We assessed 201 damaged and 325 undamaged trees and recorded the species, size, damage type, and contextual landscape features associated with them being damaged or not. Damage type to trees consisted primarily of broken branches, whilst uprooting and trunk breakage were recorded less often. Most tree characteristics (trunk circumference, height, systematic position, nativity) and the proximity and height of buildings upwind of focal trees were significant predictors of their vulnerability to windstorms. In addition, we surveyed 150 residents in person and received comments from 54 people via online questionnaires and explored their perceptions of storm frequency, the causes of storms, and mitigation measures. Most respondents noted increased storm frequency and attributed that to climate change, and they suggested mitigation measures focused on urban tree management and environmental protection. Some people expressed scepticism about the presence of climate change and/or their ability to address such damage on an individual basis. Our study is the first to integrate assessments of storm-related impacts on urban trees with the opinions of residents living in proximity to them. Our findings highlight the need for climate-adaptive and mechanically robust urban forestry planning and offer insights that guide the management of trees in urban areas globally. Specifically, we propose to undertake the following: (1) Prioritise structurally resilient, stress-tolerant tree species adapted to extreme weather conditions when planting new trees. (2) Integrate wind dynamics, microclimatic effects and artificial stabilisation techniques into urban design processes to optimise tree placement and their long-term stability. Urban planners, builders, developers, and homeowners should be informed about these stabilising practices and incorporate the needs of trees early in the design process, rather than as decorative additions. (3) Develop regionally calibrated risk models and early-warning systems to support proactive and data-driven tree management and public safety. (4) Promote climate literacy and public participation to strengthen collective stewardship and resilience of urban trees. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Plants and Practices for Resilient Urban Greening)

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19 pages, 3518 KB

Open AccessArticle

How a Green Roof Becomes Biodiverse: Vegetation Analysis on a Green Roof with no Maintenance in Rome (Italy)

by Amii Bellini, Valentina Savo, Giulia Caneva, Elettra D’Amico, Roberto Casalini and Flavia Bartoli

Plants 2025, 14(20), 3180; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14203180 - 16 Oct 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1508

Abstract

Green roofs have increasingly been used in urban contexts to increase thermal insulation, provide habitat for species, and increase urban biodiversity. Here, we provide the results of a monitoring experiment to document (1) the survival rate of planted species of a green roof with no maintenance and (2) the natural colonization by new species of the same roof. Each month for one year, we conducted floristic and vegetation surveys, identifying the species of colonizers and monitoring the cover of both planted and wild species. We conducted various statistical tests to determine the driving factors of spontaneous plants’ colonization of the unattended green roof. Among the planted species, several Mediterranean species thrived despite the lack of irrigation, and among these, Thymus serpyllum L. (a prostrate shrub) maintained the highest cover. The spontaneous colonization involved 62 species, including Mediterranean (38%) and exotic species (15%), primarily annual ruderals. The difficult climatic and pedological conditions (i.e., solar irradiation, soil structure) of the green roof have driven the colonization process and the survival of the colonizers. Research on dynamic colonization processes can contribute to designing green roofs with greater biodiversity, a more sustainable approach to long-term management, enhanced urban climate adaptation, and greater aesthetic appeal. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Plants and Practices for Resilient Urban Greening)

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39 pages, 9572 KB

Open AccessArticle

Influence and Optimization of Landscape Elements on Outdoor Thermal Comfort in University Plazas in Severely Cold Regions

by Zhiyi Tao, Guoqiang Xu, Guo Li, Xiaochen Zhao, Zhaokui Gao and Xin Shen

Plants 2025, 14(14), 2228; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14142228 - 18 Jul 2025

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1532

Abstract

Universities in severely cold regions face the dual challenge of adapting to seasonal climate variations while enhancing outdoor thermal comfort in outdoor leisure plazas. This study takes a university in Hohhot as a case study. Through field investigations conducted in summer and winter, thermal benchmarks were established. Based on this, an orthogonal experimental design was developed considering greenery layout, plant types, and surface albedo. ENVI-met was used to simulate and analyze the seasonal regulatory effects of landscape elements on the microclimate. The results show that: (1) the lower limit of the neutral PET range in Hohhot in winter is −11.3 °C, and the upper limit in summer is 31.3 °C; (2) the seasonal contribution of landscape elements to PET ranks as follows: plant types > greenery layout > surface albedo; and (3) the proposed optimization plan achieved a weighted increase of 6.0% in the proportion of activity area within the neutral PET range in both summer and winter. This study is the first to construct outdoor thermal sensation categories for both summer and winter in Hohhot and to establish a thermal comfort optimization evaluation mechanism that considers both diurnal and seasonal weightings. It systematically reveals the comprehensive regulatory effects of landscape elements on the thermal environment in severely cold regions and provides a nature-based solution for the climate-responsive design of campus plazas in such areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Plants and Practices for Resilient Urban Greening)

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25 pages, 10085 KB

Open AccessArticle

Characterizing the Flowering Phenology of Rosa rugosa Thunb. as an Ecosystem Service in the Context of Climate Change in Kupinovo (Vojvodina), Serbia

by Mirjana Ljubojević, Jelena Čukanović, Sara Đorđević, Djurdja Petrov, Nevenka Galečić, Dejan Skočajić and Mirjana Ocokoljić

Plants 2025, 14(12), 1875; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14121875 - 18 Jun 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1206

Abstract

Given the growing impact of climate change, this study examines the flowering phenology of Rosa rugosa Thunb. in Kupinovo (Vojvodina, Serbia). Data collected over 18 years (2007–2024) were analyzed to assess changes in primary flowering, while secondary flowering was monitored from 2022 to 2025. Phenological stages were recorded every other day, and dates were converted into day-of-year (DOY) values. Heat accumulation (GDD) was calculated using daily max/min temperatures and thresholds. In 2024, R. rugosa exhibited a 37-day earlier onset and a 50.4-day later completion of primary flowering compared to previous years. The variability of key phenological events of primary flowering was observed in the interaction with climatic parameters, with regular fruiting. The species proved tolerant to heat and drought, suggesting potential range expansion. Optimal temperatures for secondary flowering were identified: abundant flowering occurred at 13.6 °C max and 4.9 °C min, while moderate flowering occurred at 9.0 °C max and 4.2 °C min. Regression analysis confirmed the positive effect of rising temperatures on flowering intensity. While freezing halted secondary flowering and damaged open buds, unopened buds remained unaffected. These findings highlight R. rugosa as a resilient, ornamental species, relevant to climate adaptation strategies, nature-based solutions, and the preservation of ecosystem services under global warming scenarios. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Plants and Practices for Resilient Urban Greening)

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20 pages, 5643 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Evaluating Spherical Trees in the Urban Environment in Budapest (Hungary)

by Krisztina Szabó, Eszter Tőke and Attila Gergely

Plants 2025, 14(2), 228; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14020228 - 15 Jan 2025

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2969

Abstract

The world’s big cities, including Budapest, are becoming more crowded, with more and more people living in smaller and smaller spaces. There is an increasing demand for more green space and trees, with less vertical and less horizontal space. In addition, deteriorating environmental conditions are making it even more difficult for trees to grow and survive. Tree species in urban areas have multiple functions and high ecosystem services when in good health. Among taxa with diverse habits, sizes, crown shapes, growth vigor, longevity, urban tolerance, and canopy habit, our research aims to evaluate urban specimens of spherical species with smaller space requirements and sizes but have regular geometric crown shapes in public plantations in Budapest. In the restricted urban habitats, the city’s cadastral records include 4676 specimens with spherical crowns. Among the species examined, eight species with globular crowns (Acer platanoides ‘Globosum’, Catalpa bignonioides ‘Nana’, Celtis occidentalis ‘Globosa’, Fraxinus excelsior ‘Nana’, Fraxinus ornus ‘Mecsek’, Platanus × hispanica ‘Alphen’s Globe’, Prunus × eminens ‘Umbraculifera’ and Robinia pseudoacacia ‘Umbraculifera’) were evaluated in relation to age, health, wood type, crown size, and shade projection in order to show which species are or will be suitable in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Plants and Practices for Resilient Urban Greening)

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