Scientia Horticulturae

Expanding the scope of Scientia Horticulturae

Submissions to Scientia Horticulturae must clearly fall within the scope of horticultural science. This is a critical aspect for the initial evaluation of whether a manuscript is accepted or rejected.

1. In this context, descriptions of plant species, topics, and experimental designs that are OUT OF SCOPE are provided below. Note, many excellent manuscripts may need to be directed elsewhere if they fall outside these parameters.

1.1. Regarding PLANT SPECIES: Manuscript submissions focusing on cereal, agronomic, forestry, medicinal, industrial, and oleaginous crops (e.g., olive studies linked to oil production) are out of scope. Some row crops that yield a product that may be used fresh (e.g., tropical vegetables, citrus, bananas, and other fruits) will be considered. Dried or highly processed crops as well as manuscripts that describe the processing of a plant product (e.g., rubber, tobacco, and quinine) will not be considered.

1.2. Regarding TOPICS: a) Phytopathological studies that focus on a pathogen(s) or plant physiology without a clear horticulture orientation or economic impact on horticultural crop production are out of scope. b) Plant molecular and phylogenetic studies without a clear horticultural orientation, as well as basic molecular studies with no direct application to horticulture traits are also out of scope. c) Food technology studies focused on processed products, rather than fresh products, are out of scope; however, postharvest studies are within the journal’s scope. d) Crop management studies must be linked to horticultural traits. e) Papers on the technical aspects of horticulture (such as engineering, imaging and data processing, crop processing, storage and transport) will only be considered if they relate directly to the living product with a clear horticulture focus.

1.3. Regarding EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: several seasons are required for many phenology studies. Analysis using local ecotypes without pedigree descriptions, and lacking international references are of limited interest. However, single-season studies based on robust data and considering multiple traits with significant results may be considered as short communications. Experimental designs and statistical analyses for all submitted manuscripts must be rigorous, including the necessary replications in any phenotypic or molecular study. Simple comparisons (such as yield and morphological traits) between genotypes without encompassing any physiological aspects are out of scope.

Our journal is one of the leading global sources of information for horticulture researchers. The knowledge we publish must be accurate, significant, novel, advance the state-of-the-art, and be of interest to our international readership. The growth of the journal must continue in a sustainable way. The quality of the journal will be enhanced by increasing its Impact Factor, thereby making it an attractive publishing venue for top-tier research groups.

2. In this context, we can clarify ADDITIONAL SCOPES of the journal.

2.1. Regarding ACCEPTED SPECIES: A wide variety of horticultural crops with significant economic value may be considered. For example, Scientia Horticulturae is one of the few Q1 journals that accepts papers on edible fungi (mushrooms), and we are open to expanding the acceptance of papers on these species. Potentially, medicinal crops should also be included if they have a direct fresh use, except for rare regional medicinal crops, although this becomes complex when considering phytochemicals and related aspects. Exploitation of wild germplasm resources also has good prospects in horticulture, and manuscripts will be considered if they have a clear horticultural focus.

2.2. Regarding NEW TOPICS: Submissions that focus on omics, biochemistry, micropropagation, breeding, plant physiology, and phytopathology will be considered if they contain information that relates to important horticulture traits. Additionally, new uses of fresh crops and the development of new quality indicators or methods to assess product quality for fresh fruits and vegetables are acceptable for submission. New sustainable production systems or techniques in horticulture, focusing on horticultural crops and traits rather than technical details, are of great interest. These include urban horticulture, mitigation of climate change on horticultural crop production, soilless culture, novel growing media, and protected cultivation. Socio-horticulture, which examines the sociological impact and implications of horticulture on people and communities, is also acceptable for submission. This may include consumer studies that deal with horticultural crops or traits. The Manuscriptsthataddress symbioses between microbes and horticultural plants are also acceptable for submission if they relate to the production of horticultural crops.