Horticulture (HOR)

Section Information

Horticulture focuses on the intensive cultivation of fruits, vegetables, ornamentals, medicinal and aromatic plants, and landscape species. It links plant science, crop management, postharvest technology, and design to provide safe, nutritious produce and high-quality green spaces that support human well-being and ecosystem services.

Modern horticultural systems use improved varieties, precision inputs, protected cultivation, and climate-resilient practices to increase productivity and quality while reducing environmental footprints. Integration of propagation techniques, soil and nutrient management, water-saving irrigation, and sustainable plant protection is essential for stable yields and resource-efficient production.

This section will feature research, case studies, and reviews on fruit and vegetable production, floriculture, nursery management, urban and landscape horticulture, protected cultivation, postharvest handling, breeding and biotechnology, and sustainable, climate-smart approaches across diverse horticultural value chains.

Scope

Fruit Crops and Tree Horticulture
- Production systems for temperate, subtropical, and tropical fruits
- Canopy management, pruning, and training systems
- Flowering, fruit set, and crop regulation
- Orchard floor management and rejuvenation
Vegetable Crops and Kitchen Gardens
- Open-field and protected vegetable production
- Crop geometry, planting systems, and crop rotation
- Varietal evaluation and hybrid performance
- Kitchen gardens, peri-urban and smallholder vegetable systems
Floriculture, Ornamentals, and Landscape Horticulture
- Cut flowers, loose flowers, and potted ornamentals
- Foliage plants, turf, and ground covers
- Landscape design, streetscapes, and public green spaces
- Interior landscaping and therapeutic gardens
Nursery Management and Plant Propagation
- Seed production, handling, and seedling quality
- Vegetative propagation, grafting, and micropropagation
- Nursery substrates, containers, and protected nurseries
- Standards, certification, and planting material health
Protected Cultivation and Controlled Environments
- Greenhouses, shade nets, and low tunnels for horticultural crops
- Climate control, fertigation, and hydroponic systems
- Soilless culture, vertical farming, and high-tech horticulture
- Energy-efficient and climate-resilient structures
Soil, Water, and Nutrient Management in Horticulture
- Soil health, organic amendments, and mulching
- Fertigation, balanced nutrition, and micronutrient management
- Drip, sprinkler, and micro-irrigation strategies
- Site-specific and precision input management
Plant Protection and Stress Management
- Diseases, insect pests, and nematodes in horticultural crops
- Integrated pest and disease management approaches
- Weed management and agroecological practices
- Abiotic stress tolerance and mitigation strategies
Postharvest Biology and Technology of Horticultural Crops
- Harvest maturity indices and handling practices
- Grading, packaging, and storage of fruits, vegetables, and flowers
- Physiology of ripening, senescence, and disorders
- Value addition, minimally processed products, and supply chains
Genetics, Breeding, and Biotechnology in Horticulture
- Conventional breeding for yield, quality, and resilience
- Genetic resources, germplasm characterization, and conservation
- Molecular tools, marker-assisted selection, and omics
- Biotechnological interventions for traits of horticultural importance
Economics, Marketing, and Sustainable Horticultural Systems
- Production economics and profitability of horticultural enterprises
- Value chains, aggregation models, and market linkages
- Organic and climate-smart horticulture
- Urban, peri-urban, and circular horticultural systems