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Integrated Plant Nutrition and Food Quality: Production, Postharvest, and Processing
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Integrated Plant Nutrition and Food Quality: Production, Postharvest, and Processing

A special issue of Plants (ISSN 2223-7747).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 April 2026) | Viewed by 4894

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Mónica L. Chávez-González

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Bioprocesses and Bioproducts Research Group, Food Research Department, School of Chemistry, Universidad Autónoma de Coahuila, Saltillo 25280, Mexico
Interests: bioprocesses; bioproducts research
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Pedro Aguilar-Zarate

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Laboratorio Nacional CONAHCYT de Apoyo a la Evaluación de Productos Bióticos-LaNAEPBi, Unidad de Servicio Tecnológico Nacional de México, Instituto Tecnológico de Ciudad Valles, Ciudad Valles, Mexico
Interests: food science and technology; biotechnology; enzymes, food-grade polymers
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues, 

This Special Issue explores how plant nutrition (from soil and substrate management to targeted fertilization and biostimulants) shapes food quality across the entire value chain. We welcome studies that link pre-harvest factors (genotype × environment × management), post-harvest handling (storage, atmosphere, ripening control), and processing/food transformation (thermal and non-thermal) to nutritional, phytochemical, sensory, and safety outcomes. Submissions may address macro- and micronutrients, biofortification, rhizosphere microbiomes, controlled-environment systems, and sustainable nutrient management. We particularly encourage research that connects plant physiological and biochemical mechanisms to measurable food quality attributes, including nutrient density, bioaccessibility/bioavailability, flavor and color, anti-nutritional factors, and contaminants. Both fundamental and applied studies are welcome. Research topics may include (not are not limited to) the following:

  • Genotype × environment × management effects on quality, nutrient partitioning, and remobilization.
  • Macro/micronutrients, biofortification, and phytochemical enrichment (e.g., carotenoids, polyphenols).
  • Bio stimulants and plant–microbiome–nutrient interactions (rhizosphere, endophytes).
  • Soil/substrate health, fertigation, controlled release, and precision nutrition; CEA/soilless systems.
  • Postharvest handling: maturity indices, cold chain, controlled/modified atmospheres, and ethylene management.
  • Processing/food transformation: milling, fermentation/germination/sprouting, extrusion, pulsed/non-thermal technologies, and the retention or conversion of nutrients and phytochemicals.
  • Bioaccessibility and bioavailability (in vitro digestion models, simulated gastrointestinal systems).
  • Anti-nutritional factors, allergens, and contaminant dynamics as influenced by plant nutrition and processing.
  • Sensors, digital phenotyping, metabolomics, transcriptomics, ionomics, and imaging for quality assessment.
  • Sustainability metrics linked to nutrient strategies (e.g., reducing losses while preserving quality).
  • Development of analytical methods to ensure the quality of plant-based products.
  • Design of nutrient recovery and recycling strategies.

Prof. Dr. Mónica L. Chávez-González
Prof. Dr. Pedro Aguilar-Zarate
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. Plants is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly 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 2700 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.

Publisher’s Notice

The Special Issue, together with its publications, has been removed from Section Plant Nutrition on 25 December 2025. The publications remain available in the regular issues in which they were originally published. The Editorial Office confirms that these articles adhered to MDPI’s standard editorial process (https://www.mdpi.com/editorial_process).

Keywords

  • plant nutrition
  • food quality
  • biofortification
  • phytochemicals
  • rhizosphere microbiome
  • biostimulants
  • postharvest
  • controlled-environment agriculture
  • precision fertilization
  • bioaccessibility
  • non-thermal processing
  • sensory quality
  • nutrient density

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 1320 KB  
Article
Development, Characterization, and Evaluation of Chitosan Nano/Microcapsules with Bacillus subtilis Extract and Their Effect on Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) Seed Germination
by René Díaz-Herrera, Ricardo Gómez-García, Rafael Duarte, Marta W. Vasconcelos, Olga B. Alvarez-Pérez, Roberto Arredondo-Valdés, Janeth Ventura-Sobrevilla and Manuela Pintado
Plants 2026, 15(5), 796; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15050796 - 4 Mar 2026
Viewed by 754
Abstract
The use of chemical fertilizers has led to significant environmental pollution. An alternative to these fertilizers is the use of natural compounds, such as phytohormones, which promote germination and crop development. However, environmental factors can affect natural compounds, reducing their effectiveness. Therefore, increasing [...] Read more.
The use of chemical fertilizers has led to significant environmental pollution. An alternative to these fertilizers is the use of natural compounds, such as phytohormones, which promote germination and crop development. However, environmental factors can affect natural compounds, reducing their effectiveness. Therefore, increasing their stability without decreasing their activity to improve crop quality is essential. This study produced and characterized chitosan and sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP) nano-microparticles (NMP) loaded with Bacillus subtilis extract and evaluated their impact on tomato seed germination. We employed two experimental designs (Box–Behnken and Box–Hunter–Hunter) to determine the optimal production conditions and characterized the NMP using DLS, SEM, and FTIR. The optimal treatment consisted of 8 min of homogenization, followed by 8 min of ultrasound at a 70% amplitude, resulting in a particle size of 330.7 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.25, a zeta potential of 34.3 mV, and an encapsulation efficiency of 68.8%. The NMP loaded with bacterial extract was applied to tomato seeds as a 50% dilution pretreatment. NMP achieved the best results, with a 72% germination rate (1.6 seeds per day) and an average germination time of 3.8 days. It is concluded that the experimental designs helped improve particle properties and that the chitosan and TPP coating enhances the stability and activity of the bacterial extract, potentially benefiting agronomic applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Plant Nutrition and Food Quality: Production, Postharvest, and Processing)
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19 pages, 1450 KB  
Article
Hormone-Specific Reprogramming of the Phenylpropanoid Network in Juvenile Quercus sideroxyla Leaves Revealed by Targeted Metabolomics
by Jessica Barragán-Zúñiga, Nuria Elizabeth Rocha-Guzmán, Jesús Omar Díaz-Rivas, Rubén Francisco González-Laredo, José Ángel Sigala-Rodríguez, José Alberto Gallegos-Infante and Martha Rocío Moreno-Jiménez
Plants 2026, 15(4), 548; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15040548 - 10 Feb 2026
Viewed by 415
Abstract
Phytohormones are key regulators of specialized metabolism, yet hormone-specific and time-dependent phenolic reprogramming in woody species remains poorly resolved. This study evaluated the phenolic responses of juvenile Quercus sideroxyla leaves grown under controlled greenhouse conditions to salicylic acid (SA), jasmonic acid (JA), and [...] Read more.
Phytohormones are key regulators of specialized metabolism, yet hormone-specific and time-dependent phenolic reprogramming in woody species remains poorly resolved. This study evaluated the phenolic responses of juvenile Quercus sideroxyla leaves grown under controlled greenhouse conditions to salicylic acid (SA), jasmonic acid (JA), and abscisic acid (ABA) using a pulse-based elicitation design combined with targeted metabolite profiling. Aqueous acetone extracts exhibited high phenolic diversity, including phenolic acids (20 compounds), flavonoids (15 compounds), and hydrolyzable tannins (27 compounds). Partial least squares–discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), multivariate statistics (MANOVA), and Random Forest classification were employed to resolve hormone-specific phenolic signatures across time. Distinct regulatory trajectories were identified for each hormone. SA elicitation triggered a high-amplitude, pulsatile phenolic response primarily affecting precursor-associated phenolic acids and ellagic-related structures, consistent with transient metabolic priming. JA induced a gradual and sustained modulation of flavonoids and tannin pools, within which advanced caffeoylquinic esters, flavonol conjugates, and ellagitannins emerged as key discriminant markers. ABA treatment promoted progressive and stabilized accumulation across phenolic classes, supporting a role in metabolic homeostasis rather than stress induction. Biweekly sampling was essential to discriminate transient, adaptive, and stabilizing responses. Overall, the results demonstrate that Q. sideroxyla differentiates hormonal signals and translates them into distinct phenolic reprogramming patterns. The integration of time-resolved metabolomics with multivariate and machine-learning approaches provides a robust framework for hormone-guided modulation of phenolic metabolism in woody plants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Plant Nutrition and Food Quality: Production, Postharvest, and Processing)
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18 pages, 2961 KB  
Article
Encapsulation and Digestive Evaluation of Infusion Extracts from Semi-Desert Mexican Plants: Phytochemical Profiling and Bioactivities
by Antonio Julián-Flores, Mariela R. Michel, Cristóbal N. Aguilar, Teresinha Gonçalves da Silva, Cristian Torres-León, Juan A. Ascacio-Valdés, Leonardo Sepúlveda, Pedro Aguilar-Zárate and Mónica L. Chávez-González
Plants 2025, 14(22), 3448; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14223448 - 11 Nov 2025
Viewed by 944
Abstract
Medicinal plants are widely used in traditional medicine because of their bioactive compounds with therapeutic potential. The semidesert Mexican species Flourensia cernua, Artemisia ludoviciana, and Phoradendron californicum have been traditionally employed as infusions for gastrointestinal disorders. In this study, chemical composition, [...] Read more.
Medicinal plants are widely used in traditional medicine because of their bioactive compounds with therapeutic potential. The semidesert Mexican species Flourensia cernua, Artemisia ludoviciana, and Phoradendron californicum have been traditionally employed as infusions for gastrointestinal disorders. In this study, chemical composition, infusion extraction, phytochemical profiling, antioxidant capacity, and antiparasitic and antibacterial activity were evaluated. The extracts were characterized via HPLC–MS, encapsulated in agar–agar beads, and subjected to in vitro simulated digestion. A. ludoviciana presented the highest content of hydrolysable and condensed tannins (5473.33 ± 305.5 mg GAE/100 g; 959.58 ± 14.6 mg CE/100 g, respectively). F. cernua presented the highest flavonoid concentration (582.67 ± 16.90 mg CE/100 g). The highest antioxidant activity was observed in P. californicum (IC50 74.18 ± 18.43 μg TE/mL in DPPH; IC50 333.38 ± 56.36 μg TE/mL in ABTS). In terms of antiparasitic effects, A. ludoviciana extracts presented the lowest IC50 value (0.51 ± 0.01 mg/mL), indicating the highest antiparasitic activity. Antibacterial assays revealed that F. cernua had the greatest inhibitory effect on E. coli (79.60%) and S. aureus (78.40%). Encapsulation preserved extract integrity, although simulated digestion resulted in limited compound release, with hydrolysable tannins being the most released. Overall, P. californicum presented the strongest antioxidant response, and encapsulation was confirmed as an effective strategy to preserve extract integrity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Plant Nutrition and Food Quality: Production, Postharvest, and Processing)
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Review

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19 pages, 4515 KB  
Review
Organic Vanilla Production in Mexico: Current Status, Challenges, and Perspectives
by Juan José Maldonado-Miranda, Domingo Martínez-Soto, Juan Gilberto Ceballos-Maldonado, Luis J. Castillo-Pérez, Ricardo Rodriguez-Vargas and Candy Carranza-Álvarez
Plants 2025, 14(24), 3772; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14243772 - 11 Dec 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2235
Abstract
Organic vanilla production in Mexico holds significant promise but faces substantial challenges that impact its sustainability and market competitiveness. As the native region of Vanilla planifolia, Mexico is endowed with rich biodiversity and a deep cultural heritage surrounding vanilla cultivation. Organic production [...] Read more.
Organic vanilla production in Mexico holds significant promise but faces substantial challenges that impact its sustainability and market competitiveness. As the native region of Vanilla planifolia, Mexico is endowed with rich biodiversity and a deep cultural heritage surrounding vanilla cultivation. Organic production systems in the country predominantly rely on traditional agroforestry practices, manual pollination, and artisanal curing methods, all of which enhance the quality and distinctiveness of Mexican vanilla. However, production is hindered by critical factors, including low genetic diversity and susceptibility to phytopathogenic diseases, particularly stem and root rot caused by Fusarium oxysporum. In recent years, the application of in vitro micropropagation techniques has shown great potential for obtaining pathogen-free plants and conserving germplasm, offering a sustainable alternative to strengthen organic systems and reduce pressure on wild populations. The labor-intensive processes, yield variability, and the complexity of adhering to organic certification standards are additional challenges to overcome. Shifts in consumer preferences toward natural and sustainably produced goods have increased demand for organic vanilla, offering Mexican producers an opportunity to gain a more prominent position in the global market. Advancing research into disease management, fostering genetic conservation, and integrating scientific advances with traditional know-how are vital strategies for overcoming current limitations. In this context, organic vanilla production represents not only an economic opportunity but also a means to conserve biodiversity, support rural communities, and maintain the legacy of one of Mexico’s most emblematic agricultural products. This review was conducted using a qualitative, narrative analysis of recent scientific literature, technical reports, and case studies related to organic vanilla production in Mexico. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Plant Nutrition and Food Quality: Production, Postharvest, and Processing)
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