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Focus Issue Title	Submission Deadline
Gene Family Evolution Biology	June 30, 2026
Pangenome reference for genetics and breeding of horticultural crops	June 30, 2026
Single cell biology of horticultural crops	Open

Gene Family Evolution Biology

Guest Editor: Dr. Xiaoming Song

This special issue focuses on the intricate mechanisms and patterns of gene family expansion and functional diversification across diverse horticultural species. We welcome high-impact submissions addressing comprehensive genome-wide identification, deep evolutionary history analysis, and large-scale comparative genomics of gene families that regulate critical agronomic and ornamental traits. Research should aim to elucidate how gene duplication, loss, and divergence contribute to the adaptation and specialization of horticultural crops. By integrating phylogenetic analysis with functional validation, this collection seeks to provide a holistic view of how genomic complexity drives phenotypic diversity in fruits, vegetables, and flowers.

Contact Information

Guest Editor

Prof. Leo F.M. Marcelis

Department of Horticultural Sciences, University of Florida

leo.marcelis@ufl.edu

Editor-in-Chief

Prof. Ep Heuvelink

Wageningen University & Research, The Netherlands

ep.heuvelink@wur.nl

DeadlineJune 30, 2026

Submission details

Pangenome reference for genetics and breeding of horticultural crops

Guest Editor: Professor Yongfeng Zhou & Professor Zhangjun Fei

As high-throughput sequencing technologies continue to evolve, pangenomes have become essential tools for capturing the full spectrum of genetic diversity within a species, often missed by single reference genomes. This issue seeks cutting-edge research on structural variations, presence-absence variations (PAVs), and the development of sophisticated graph-based references for molecular breeding in fruits, vegetables, and ornamentals. We are particularly interested in studies that demonstrate how pangenomic resources can accelerate the identification of rare alleles associated with disease resistance, flavor profiles, and climate resilience. This collection aims to bridge the gap between complex genomic data and practical breeding applications for more sustainable horticultural production.

Contact Information

Guest Editor

Prof. Leo F.M. Marcelis

Department of Horticultural Sciences, University of Florida

leo.marcelis@ufl.edu

Editor-in-Chief

Prof. Ep Heuvelink

Wageningen University & Research, The Netherlands

ep.heuvelink@wur.nl

DeadlineJune 30, 2026

Submission details

Single Cell Biology of Horticultural Crops

Executive Editor: Dr. Steven van Nocker

Recent advancements in single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and spatial transcriptomics are revolutionizing our understanding of plant biology by providing unprecedented insights into complex processes at cellular resolution. This call focuses on the power of these technologies to map cell-type specific gene expression patterns and developmental trajectories in horticultural crops. We invite submissions that explore how single-cell approaches can unlock the secrets of plant development, reproductive biology, and stress responses in specific cell types that were previously hidden in bulk tissue analyses. By characterizing the unique transcriptomic signatures of individual cells, this special issue aims to provide a high-resolution blueprint of the molecular mechanisms governing horticultural crop performance and environmental adaptation.