Innovation in Propagation and Cultivation of Ornamental Plants

Ornamental plants are constantly being improved by new technologies and cultivation systems to provide new, high-quality plant material for one of the most demanding markets in the horticulture sector. In addition, the ornamental production sector faces several challenges, such as an increase in costs of production, new and old pests and diseases, climate change and the need to adapt to environmental stresses, the need for conservation and environmental protection, and competition with other food and energy crops in terms of areas and natural resources. Therefore, innovative ideas and new technologies for use in the cultivation and propagation of ornamental plants are needed to support existing practices, as well as to develop the next generation of cultivation systems with increased gains, including more efficient sys- tems of propagation and cultivation at lower costs, associated with sustainable production and management practices. In this Special Issue of Horticulturae, “Innovation in Propagation and Cultivation of Ornamental Plants”, research regarding new systems and technologies for use in the propagation and cultivation of ornamental plants is presented as an intersection of three main areas, as illustrated in the graphical abstract below. These include sustainability (sustainable production and best management practices), cultivation and propagation efficiency (techniques for improvement and increases in efficiency practices), and innovative technologies (from advanced breeding and genetic improvement techniques to automation and robotics).