Ornamental Plants: Traits, Flowering, Aroma, Molecular Mechanisms, Postharvest Handling, and Application

Submission Deadline: 31 December 2025 View: 139 Submit to Special Issue

Guest Editors

Prof. Dr. Sy-Yu Shiau

Email: syshiau@sandau.edu.cn 

Affiliation: Department of Food Nutrition and Safety, Sandau University, Shanghai, 201209, China

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Research Interests: Phytochemicals in ornamental plants: Extraction, analysis, characteristics, and applications

Prof. LilI Guo

Email: guolili@haust.edu.cn 

Affiliation: Agriculture Department, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471000, China

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Research Interests: Peony traits, flowering, aroma, molecular mechanisms of flowering senescence , postharvest preservation of peony cut flowers

Dr. Hsin-Hung Lin

Email: shinhon815@dragon.nchu.edu.tw 

Affiliation: Department of Agronomy, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan

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Research Interests: Physiology of plant stress responses;  Mechanisms of leaf development; Plant signal transduction

Summary

Ornamental plants play an important role in enhancing aesthetic value, improving mental well-being, and contributing to urban greening and ecological balance. These plants are highly valued for their diverse traits, such as vibrant flowers, unique foliage, appealing aromas, and adaptability to various environmental conditions. Understanding the complex biological and molecular mechanisms underlying these traits is essential for optimizing their cultivation practices, extending postharvest longevity, and broadening their applications.

This special issue aims to bring together the latest research on various aspects of ornamental plants, such as their traits, flowering processes, aroma production, underlying molecular mechanisms, postharvest handling techniques, and diverse applications. By exploring these areas, we hope to deepen our understanding of ornamental plants and promote their sustainable cultivation and utilization.

Scope of the Special Issue:

1. Ornamental Plant Traits:

· Morphological characteristics, such as plant shape, size, color, and texture.

· Physiological traits including photosynthesis, respiration, water relations, and stress tolerance.

· Genetic and epigenetic factors influencing ornamental plant traits.

· Artificial intelligence-based identification, classification, and monitoring of ornamental plants.

2. Flowering:

· Regulation of flowering time in ornamental plants.

· Molecular mechanisms underlying flower development and morphogenesis.

· Environmental factors affecting flowering, such as light, temperature, and photoperiod.

· Strategies for promoting or delaying flowering in ornamental species.

3. Aroma:

· Identification and characterization of volatile compounds responsible for the aroma of ornamental plants.

· Biosynthesis and regulation of aroma production.

· Effects of environmental factors and cultivation practices on aroma quality.

· Techniques for making essential oils from ornamental plants.

4. Molecular Mechanisms:

· Genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics studies on ornamental plants.

· Molecular markers and genetic engineering techniques for improving ornamental plant traits.

· Signaling pathways involved in growth, development, and stress responses of ornamental plants.

· Epigenetic regulation of ornamental plant characteristics.

5. Postharvest Handling:

· Techniques for prolonging the vase life of cut flowers.

· Techniques for making dried flowers.

· Storage and transportation methods for ornamental plants.

· Postharvest physiology and biochemistry of ornamental plants.

· Quality control and evaluation of postharvest ornamental products.

6. Application:

· Green or environmentally-friendly extraction, isolation, identification of bioactive compounds from edible ornamental plants and their applications in food products and nutraceuticals.

· Techniques relating to the 3D printing of ornamental plants.

· Applications of aromatic ornamental plants in perfumery, aromatherapy, and landscaping.

· Therapeutic and psychological benefits of ornamental plants.

· Use of ornamental plants in ecological restoration and environmental protection.

· Novel applications and value-added products derived from ornamental plants.

We welcome original research articles, and reviews from researchers, scholars, and professionals in the fields of horticulture, plant biology, biotechnology, and related disciplines. Submissions that combine innovative research methods, practical applications, and a deep understanding of ornamental plants are particularly encouraged.

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