Advancing Biofortification: New Breeding Techniques and Agronomic Practices for Healthier Produce

In the field of nutritional science and agricultural biotechnology, the biofortification of fruits and vegetables has emerged as a pivotal area of research. As consumers become increasingly aware of the link between diet and health, there is a growing demand for food products that not only satisfy hunger but also contribute to overall well-being. Bioactive compounds in plant-based foods are known to play a significant role in preventing chronic diseases, making the enhancement of these compounds in fruits and vegetables a public health priority. Despite the potential benefits, research in this area faces several challenges, including the complex inheritance of nutritional traits and a limited understanding of the metabolic pathways involved. Recent studies have highlighted the potential of agronomic practices, conventional breeding, and biotechnological techniques in improving the nutritional quality of crops. However, the integration of sensory analysis into biofortification research remains underexplored, and the extended juvenile phase of many fruit trees, along with environmental and genetic constraints, further complicates breeding efforts. New Breeding Techniques (NBTs) offer promising solutions, yet public and regulatory concerns about genetic engineering limit their application, underscoring the need for innovative research approaches.

This research topic aims to explore and disseminate novel methodologies and technologies for the biofortification of fruits and vegetables, with a focus on enhancing nutritional quality traits. The primary objectives include expanding the genetic variability available for breeding, optimizing breeding processes, and incorporating desired nutritional and sensory traits into new plant varieties. By addressing these goals, the research seeks to overcome existing challenges and contribute to the development of plant-based foods that are both nutritionally superior and appealing to consumers.

To gather further insights in the biofortification of fruits and vegetables, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Innovative agronomic practices and their impact on nutritional quality.
- Advances in conventional breeding and New Breeding Techniques (NBTs) for biofortification.
- Metabolic pathways of bioactive compounds and their manipulation.
- Sensory analysis in the development of biofortified crops.
- Strategies to overcome environmental and genetic constraints in plant breeding.
- Public perception and regulatory challenges in the adoption of biofortified crops.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• ... View all formats

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Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: breeding, biotechnology, agronomic practice, nutritional quality, bioactive compounds, sensory analysis, taste, texture

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.