Guest Editors
Prof. Monica Hârţa
Email: monica.harta@usamvcluj.ro
Affiliation: Dept. Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, BIOCERA Research Center, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Romania
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Research Interests: genomics, metabolomics, food safety

Prof. Doina Clapa
Email: doina.clapa@usamvcluj.ro
Affiliation: Dept. Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, BIOCERA Research Center, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Romania
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Research Interests: plant breeding; micropropagation; abiotic stress; sustainable horticulture

Summary
This special issue focuses on flowering plants, which hold significant economic value in the horticultural, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries and contribute significantly to human well-being through their aesthetic appeal. Angiosperms' reproductive structures are crucial for maintaining biodiversity and ensuring ecosystem stability. Their diversity in floral morphology, reproductive strategies, aroma production, and synthesis of bioactive compounds makes them important subjects for scientific research and commercial applications.
We welcome original research articles, reviews, and applied studies in the following areas of interest:
· Flower reproduction and development: genetic and epigenetic factors influencing flower reproduction and development; hormonal regulation of flowering and floral differentiation; environmental influences on flowering phenology; techniques for managing flowering time.
· Micropropagation and propagation technologies: in vitro methods for propagating flowering plants; cryopreservation and strategies for conserving genetic diversity; enhancing yield and quality of vegetatively propagated plants; applying artificial intelligence and sensors to optimize plant growth.
· Bioactive compounds in flowers and industrial applications: identification and biosynthesis of secondary metabolites in flowers; effects of stress factors on bioactive compound production; applications in medicine, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food industries; eco-friendly extraction methods and valorization of floral products.
· Biotic and abiotic stress in flowering plants: molecular and physiological responses to drought, extreme temperatures, and pollution; interactions between plants, pathogens, and pollinators; strategies for improving stress tolerance through advanced biotechnologies; impact of climate change on the life cycle of flowering plants.
· Post-harvest technologies and innovations: contemporary methods for prolonging the freshness of cut flowers; techniques for flower preservation in commercial applications; the effects of transport and storage conditions on flower quality; sustainable strategies for minimizing post-harvest flower losses.
By exploring these topics, we seek to promote the sustainable development of the floriculture sector and emphasize innovative solutions for cultivating and utilizing flowering plants.
Keywords
Flowering, reproduction, molecular mechanisms, propagation, molecular breeding, omics strategies, artificial intelligence tools, and sustainability.
Published Papers