The field of controlled environment horticulture (CEH) is rapidly transforming how we cultivate plants by providing precise regulation of environmental factors such as light, temperature, humidity, CO₂ concentration, and nutrient delivery. This level of control enables the optimization of plant growth beyond traditional open-field agriculture. One of the most compelling research areas within CEH is its influence on the synthesis and accumulation of secondary metabolites—biologically active compounds that include alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, and phenolics—which play crucial roles in plant defense, human health, and commercial product value. Recent findings highlight substantial variability in secondary metabolite content based on environmental manipulation, unveiling both opportunities and challenges. Despite considerable progress, fundamental questions remain regarding the underlying mechanisms by which CEH conditions regulate metabolic pathways and the stability of these metabolites under dynamic growth regimes. Studies increasingly show that not all compounds respond uniformly to environmental signals, sparking ongoing debates about optimizing production for medical, culinary, and industrial applications. A deeper investigation is required to resolve these knowledge gaps and harness CEH systems for tailored metabolite profiles.

This Research Topic aims to elucidate the complex relationships between controlled environment cultivation parameters and their effects on the biosynthesis, accumulation, and stability of secondary metabolites in plants. The goal is to advance mechanistic understanding, identify key regulatory factors, and explore new approaches for enhancing desirable metabolites through precise horticultural strategies. Researchers are encouraged to contribute insights on how modifying single or multiple environmental variables can shift metabolic outputs, the role of genetic and epigenetic factors in mediating these responses, and applications for improving economic and nutritional value. Insights derived may bridge existing knowledge gaps and foster the development of more sustainable and functional plant production systems with bespoke phytochemical profiles.

To gather further insights into the boundaries and opportunities afforded by CEH in modulating secondary metabolites, we invite research encompassing, but not limited to, the following themes:

- Effects of light quality, intensity, and photoperiod on metabolite production

- Impact of temperature, humidity, and atmospheric composition on secondary metabolite accumulation

- Interactions between controlled nutrient delivery and metabolite biosynthesis

- Genetic and epigenetic regulation of secondary metabolites in response to CEH

- Technological innovations (e.g., LED lighting, hydroponics, vertical farming) facilitating targeted metabolic outcomes

- Applications in medicinal, functional foods, and nutraceutical plant production

- Analytical and omics-based approaches for metabolite profiling under controlled environments

- Sustainability and economic feasibility of CEH for specialty metabolite-rich crops

- We welcome original research articles, reviews, perspectives, and brief reports that address these and related topics.

Impact

Frontiers in Horticulture

Controlled Environment Horticulture