Guest Editors
Dr. Alexandra Solomou
Email: asolomou@elgo.gr
Affiliation: Institute of Mediterranean Forest Ecosystems, Hellenic Agricultural Organization-DIMITRA, N. Chlorou 1, Ilisia, 11528 Athens, Greece
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Research Interests: monitoring, evaluation, conservation, and utilization of plant biodiversity in Mediterranean and forest ecosystems, research on the impact of environmental factors on plant biodiversity, application of biodiversity indicators, identification of plant indicator species, and ecosystem services.
Summary
Aromatic and medicinal plants (AMPs) are valuable components of biodiversity, supporting ecosystems, traditional medicine, and bio-based industries. Their importance is rising with increasing demand for natural products, discovery of bioactive compounds, and the need for sustainable, climate-resilient cultivation. Many AMPs are regionally endemic or wild-harvested, making them vulnerable to habitat loss, overexploitation, and climate change. Conserving AMP biodiversity is vital for preserving genetic resources, ecological services, and phytochemical richness. However, productivity and quality are influenced by genotype–environment interactions and cultivation practices, leading to variability in yield and chemical profiles. Understanding ecological and agronomic factors shaping phytochemical diversity—along with conservation strategies—is essential for ensuring consistent quality and responsible commercialization. This Special Issue covers topics such as biodiversity patterns, sustainable cultivation, climate adaptation, ecological drivers of phytochemicals, genetic diversity, wild versus cultivated impacts, plant–microbe interactions, biostimulants, analytical methods, extraction technologies, quality standards, and applications in health, cosmetics, and agriculture, emphasizing integrated research for sustainable AMP use.
Keywords
aromatic and medicinal plants, sustainable cultivation, plant biodiversity, chemical ecology, phytochemical diversity, essential oils, secondary metabolites, metabolomics, bioactive compounds, natural product applications
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