An interdisciplinary journal on the interactions between agroecosystems and the environmentAgriculture, Ecosystems & Environment is a leading interdisciplinary forum that publishes research investigating all aspects of agroecological science. Our objective is to advance understanding of the patterns and processes governing agroecosystem functions, interactions with the environment and provision of ecosystem services. A central theme is how agriculture influences the environment and how changes in that environment impact agroecosystems.Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment publishes novel, high impact research conducted at various spatial scales - from experimental plots and field trials to farm-, agroecosystem- and landscape-level investigations - with preference given to hypothesis-based and/or data-rich investigations. We particularly encourage broadly significant studies of agroecosystems that deal with cross-scale interactions, bridge scientific disciplines or integrate new knowledge and perspectives relevant to agroecosystem management or agri-environmental policies. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment rarely publishes papers focused on the management of a specific agricultural system in a particular environmental setting unless the research produces new and compelling findings; therefore, submissions should be placed in an international and/or widely comparative context.All manuscripts are initially screened on their topic suitability. AGEE's core subject-matter fields/topics include (but are not limited to): • Mechanisms governing bio-physical features and functioning of agroecosystems (e.g., the biogeochemistry, ecology, and sustainability of agricultural systems) • The interplay between agroecosystems and the environment (soil, air, and water) and the role of ecological processes in provision of ecosystem services • Agroecosystems and their role in catalyzing/mitigating global change (climate change, greenhouse gases and biodiversity loss) • Ecological consequences of land use intensification and other human impacts (soil degradation and erosion, water and waste management, and associated mitigation approaches) • Environmental implications of agricultural land use and land use change (biodiversity conservation and land management, and ecological restoration and stewardship)The following topics are discouraged unless they provide new information that complements AGEE's core subject-matter areas: • Inventory and survey analysis (including life cycle and energy analysis) • Impact assessment and environmental/compliance monitoring investigations • Exclusively greenhouse- or laboratory-based studies • Studies on the development of models or methodologies and pure model applications • Studies that are purely agronomic, socio-economic, or political
Postharvest Biology and Technology is devoted exclusively to the publication of original papers, review articles and frontiers articles on biological and technological postharvest research of horticultural crops including fruit, vegetables, grapes, flowers, tea and nuts, but excluding grains, seeds, forages and spices.All aspects of postharvest research throughout the supply chain will be considered, including storage technologies, treatments and underpinning mechanisms, quality evaluation, packaging, handling, and distribution.The following research areas will be considered if they directly affect postharvest science: preharvest factors, ripening and senescence, product safety, systems biology, bioinformatics, entomology, plant physiology, plant pathology, (bio)chemistry, molecular biology, biotechnology, engineering, modelling, economics, and technologies for non-destructive testing.Manuscripts on the effect of treatments on the storage life of a product should have a mechanistic component and must include research on the physiological effects and working principles of the treatments. Manuscripts that report on non-destructive testing should relate to the biological processes of the product and should include a strong relationship with postharvest biology and technology. Manuscripts reporting novel fundamental and interdisciplinary research that addresses biological, technological, and socio-economic issues that impact technology acceptance, are encouraged.The focus of this journal is on fresh horticultural products. Manuscripts on products that will be further processed after postharvest storage, or on treatments beyond refrigeration, packaging and minimal processing will be considered but only if linked strongly to the quality and provenance of the products at the time of harvest.Benefits to authors We also provide many author benefits, such as free PDFs, a liberal copyright policy, special discounts on Elsevier publications and much more. Please click here for more information on our author services.Please see our Guide for Authors for information on article submission. If you require any further information or help, please visit our Support Center
Expanding the scope of Scientia HorticulturaeSubmissions 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.