Floral development and reproductive success in crops: Mechanisms, phenotyping, and precision management

Floral development and reproductive competence are central to crop reproduction, fruit set, yield formation, and product quality. The progression from floral initiation and organ differentiation to anthesis, pollination, fertilization, and senescence is influenced by genotype, environmental conditions, cultivation practices, and crop architecture. However, flowers with comparable external traits may differ substantially in pollen viability, stigma receptivity, ovule longevity, pollen tube growth, and fertilization potential. These differences create major challenges for predicting reproductive success and managing yield stability. Recent advances in developmental biology, reproductive physiology, histology, biochemistry, and molecular biology have clarified several regulatory processes underlying floral formation and reproductive function. At the same time, digital imaging, plant phenotyping, remote sensing, artificial intelligence, and machine learning are enabling more continuous and quantitative assessments of flowering dynamics, developmental stages, and spatial distribution. UAVs and robotic systems are also emerging for field monitoring and precision operations. Nevertheless, stronger links are needed between observable floral traits, reproductive competence, pollination success, fruit set, yield, and product quality, particularly under variable production environments.This Research Topic aims to advance the understanding of floral development and reproductive competence in crops and to clarify how these processes influence fruit set, yield, and product quality. It seeks to identify physiological, molecular, histological, phenotypic, and computational indicators of reproductive success; examine the effects of genotype, environment, and cultivation practices; and evaluate approaches for monitoring and managing flowering. The Research Topic also aims to promote the translation of fundamental knowledge into precision applications, including assisted pollination, flower thinning, and flower harvesting. Studies should assess the production relevance of these approaches through outcomes such as pollination performance, fruit set, seed formation, yield, resource-use efficiency, and product quality.To gather further insights into floral development, reproductive competence, and their applications in crop production, we welcome studies addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:o Physiological, biochemical, genetic, and molecular regulation of floral development from initiation to anthesis and senescence;o Floral organ differentiation, inflorescence architecture, flowering synchrony, and developmental staging;o Pollen maturation and viability, stigma receptivity, ovule longevity, pollen germination, pollen tube growth, and fertilization;o Genotypic, environmental, and cultivation-related regulation of reproductive development;o Relationships between floral traits, reproductive competence, fruit set, seed formation, yield, and product quality;o Histological, physiological, molecular, and phenotypic indicators of pollination and fertilization success;o Digital imaging, remote sensing, artificial intelligence, and machine learning for monitoring flowering dynamics and spatial distribution;o UAV- and robot-assisted monitoring, pollination, flower thinning, and flower harvesting;o Precision management of reproductive load and evaluation of its effects on crop productivity and quality.We welcome Original Research, Reviews, Methods, Technology and Code, Perspective, and Opinion articles.---------------------------------We welcome contributions from researchers across the field and are happy to support you as you prepare your submission. If you would like initial feedback on whether your planned manuscript aligns with the scope of this Research Topic, please reach out to us at plantscience@frontiersin.org before submitting. Early input can help ensure your work is a strong fit and save you time later in the process. To take part, click “Participate in this topic” at the top right of this page, and then confirm through the “Participate” link in the follow-up email. This lets us know to expect your contribution, keeps you informed of key deadlines, and gives you access to resources that guide you through submission. We look forward to your participation and to building a vibrant, cohesive Research Topic together.” Topic editors: Shubo Wang, Alessandra Gentile, Ricardo Mir Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/86359/floral-development-and-reproductive-success-in-crops-mechanisms-phenotyping-and-precision-management