Special Issue "Fruit Tree Cultivation in Modern Orchards: Advancements, Innovations, Sustainability, and Optimal Fruit Production"

A special issue of Horticulturae (ISSN 2311-7524). This special issue belongs to the section "Fruit Production Systems".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2024 | Viewed by 1194

Special Issue Editor

Laboratory of Pomology, Department of Crop Science, School of Plant Sciences, Agricultural University of Athens, Iera Odos 75, 118 55 Athens, Greece
Interests: plant nutrition and fertilization; abiotic stresses (nutrient deficiencies, drought, salinity, waterlogging, etc.); sexual and asexual propagation of fruit tree species; evaluation of fruit tree cultivars and rootstock; effect of various cultural practices on tree yield and fruit quality
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue aims to bring together cutting-edge research and innovative approaches that contribute to the advancement of fruit tree cultivation in modern orchards. We welcome original research articles, reviews, and case studies covering a wide range of topics related to fruit tree cultivation. These include, but are not limited to, soil management, plant nutrition, cultivar and rootstock selection and management, propagation methods, planting systems, innovative pruning and training methods, irrigation, fertilization, fertigation, and hydroponic techniques. We encourage original contributions that address the challenges faced by fruit trees under various abiotic stresses such as salinity, drought, waterlogging, heat, cold, frost, and mineral element deficiency or toxicity. Additionally, we welcome studies evaluating protection methods against sun, hail, and frost as well as contributions on postharvest handling, and sustainable orchard practices. We are particularly interested in submissions that explore novel technologies, methodologies, and strategies to optimize fruit production, enhance fruit quality, and ensure long-term sustainability in orchard management.

By participating in this Special Issue, researchers will have the opportunity to showcase their findings and contribute to the knowledge base on fruit tree cultivation. Published articles will reach a wide audience of researchers, academicians, and industry professionals in the field of horticulture and fruit tree production.

Dr. Ioannis E. Papadakis
Guest Editor

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 2000 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

  • fruit tree cultivation
  • modern orchards
  • fruit production

Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

13 pages, 1226 KiB  
Article
Impact of Cover Cropping on Temporal Nutrient Distribution and Availability in the Soil
Horticulturae 2023, 9(10), 1160; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae9101160 - 22 Oct 2023
Viewed by 633
Abstract
Cover cropping is a best management practice that can improve soil quality by reducing soil erosion, building soil organic matter (SOM), and improving soil nutrient availability. Southwest (SW) Florida citrus growers have the challenge of growing citrus in sandy soils characterized by low [...] Read more.
Cover cropping is a best management practice that can improve soil quality by reducing soil erosion, building soil organic matter (SOM), and improving soil nutrient availability. Southwest (SW) Florida citrus growers have the challenge of growing citrus in sandy soils characterized by low organic matter (<2%), extremely low water and nutrient-holding capacities, and high sand content (>90%), and therefore are looking for methods to improve SOM and nutrient retention and availability in sandy soils. A trial of two cover crop (CC) mixtures planted in the row middles (RM) of Huanglongbing-affected citrus ‘Valencia’ (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck) orchards in sandy soils in SW Florida was conducted. This study explored how incorporating CCs in the RM of the orchards could affect soil ammonium (NH4+), soil nitrate (NO3), exchangeable macronutrients, and SOM temporal availability. These parameters were measured under the tree canopy (UC) and within RM of two orchards: South Grove (SG) and North Grove (NG), both located in SW Florida. The two seeded CC mixtures were legume + non-legume (LG+NL) and non-legume (NL) and were compared to a control no-CC grower standard (GSC). Phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, and NH4+ were not statistically significantly different among treatments in either of the two sampling positions (UC and RM). Cover cropping significantly (p < 0.05) increased NO3-N concentrations in the RM area of the citrus orchards after seven consecutive seasons (brassicas, legumes, and grasses) by 31% in the LG + NL and 29% in the NL with reference to the GSC. In addition to the significant increase in NO3N, SOM significantly (p < 0.05) increased in the RM in the NG site only in both CCs treatments by 17% and 16% for LG + NL and NL treatments, respectively, compared with GSC. Full article
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10 pages, 247 KiB  
Article
Enhancing Red Fruit Coloration of Apples in the Southeastern US with Reflective Fabrics
Horticulturae 2023, 9(10), 1125; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae9101125 - 12 Oct 2023
Viewed by 419
Abstract
For some apple cultivars, inadequate red fruit color development can reduce crop value. The use of reflective groundcovers has been demonstrated to improve red coloration in apples in other regions, but evaluation in the southeastern USA has been limited. To address this, we [...] Read more.
For some apple cultivars, inadequate red fruit color development can reduce crop value. The use of reflective groundcovers has been demonstrated to improve red coloration in apples in other regions, but evaluation in the southeastern USA has been limited. To address this, we compared the performance of multiple reflective groundcovers in 2018 and 2020 on mature ‘Fuji’ trees in Edneyville, NC, USA. Woven reflective (Extenday® DayBright, Lumilys® WH100, Beltech PD2911, and Belton experimental), mylar, and sod groundcovers were deployed ~5 weeks before anticipated harvest. The effects of the treatment on light reflectance (photosynthetically active and UV radiation), fruit color, fruit quality, and crop value were determined. Across both years of evaluation, reflective groundcovers were consistent in increasing the reflectance of photosynthetically active radiation. However, only Extenday® DayBright consistently increased reflected UV radiation (250–400 nm), red fruit coloration at commercial harvest, and crop value. Fruit maturity and sunburn incidence were not influenced by any treatment in both years. Reflected UV light quality was not characterized, but it is clear that UV250–400nm reflectance intensity is critical to enhance ‘Fuji’ fruit color development. Growers in the southeastern US can use reflective groundcovers to enhance red fruit coloration to meet market demands. Full article
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