Combining novel technologies with interdisciplinary basic research to enhance horticultural crops

Area of Science:

• Horticultural science, crop breeding, agricultural technology.

Background:

• Horticultural crops (fruits, vegetables, ornamentals) are vital for nutrition, food security, and well-being.
• Climate change and population growth pose significant challenges to horticultural production and meeting diverse human needs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent research on horticultural crop breeding, focusing on quality traits and their underlying mechanisms.
• To address current challenges and explore solutions in horticultural production and post-harvest management.
• To outline the potential of emerging technologies and interdisciplinary research in advancing horticultural crop utilization.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of characteristic and recent research highlights in horticultural crops.
• Analysis of breeding strategies for quality traits and their genetic underpinnings.
• Discussion of challenges and proposed solutions in cultivation and post-harvest practices.

Main Results:

• Significant progress in breeding horticultural crops for enhanced quality and adaptability.
• Identification of key mechanisms influencing desirable crop traits.
• Exploration of integrated approaches for improved production and reduced post-harvest losses.

Conclusions:

• Breeding for quality and adaptability, coupled with effective cultivation and post-harvest systems, is essential for sustainable horticulture.
• Emerging technologies and interdisciplinary research offer promising avenues for future advancements in horticultural crop science and application.