Optimizing Irrigation and Water Use Efficiency in Strawberry and Small Berry Crops

Climate change is posing major challenges to the sustainable production of strawberry and small berry crops by increasing the frequency and intensity of drought, heat waves, and erratic rainfall patterns. These crops are particularly sensitive to water availability due to their shallow root systems and high water requirements during critical stages of growth and fruit development. Even short periods of water deficit can adversely affect yield, fruit quality, shelf life, and the accumulation of health-promoting compounds, resulting in significant economic losses. At the same time, increasing pressure on freshwater resources calls for more efficient irrigation practices that optimize water use without compromising productivity. Developing crop-specific irrigation strategies and improving water-use efficiency have therefore become essential priorities to enhance the resilience and long-term sustainability of strawberry and small berry production under changing climatic conditions. This Research Topic aims to gather the latest research on innovative irrigation strategies and sustainable approaches that enhance water-use efficiency in strawberry and small berry crops. We welcome contributions addressing irrigation scheduling, regulated deficit irrigation, plant water relations, and physiological responses to water stress, as well as studies evaluating technologies and practices that improve water availability and irrigation performance. Particular attention will be given to the use of water-retaining soil amendments, including zeolites and hydrogels, biostimulants, and other innovative solutions that contribute to improving plant water status, soil water retention, and irrigation efficiency. By bringing together agronomic, physiological, and applied research, this Research Topic aims to provide practical knowledge and innovative solutions to support the sustainable and climate-resilient production of berry crops. This Research Topic welcomes Original Research, Review Articles, Mini Reviews, Perspectives, Methods, and Case Reports addressing innovative strategies to improve irrigation management and water-use efficiency in strawberry and small berry crops under climate change. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to: • Irrigation scheduling and regulated deficit irrigation (RDI); • Water-use efficiency and irrigation optimization; Plant water relations and physiological responses to water deficit; • Effects of irrigation management on fruit yield, quality, and resource-use efficiency; • Water-retaining soil amendments, including zeolites, hydrogels, and other innovative materials; • Biostimulants and sustainable approaches to improve plant water status and drought tolerance; • Soil–plant interactions affecting water availability and crop performance; • Strategies to enhance drought resilience and climate adaptation in berry production systems. Contributions focusing on strawberry, blueberry, raspberry, blackberry, currant, cranberry, and other cultivated berry species are particularly encouraged.Descriptive studies that report responses of growth, yield or quality to agronomical treatments will not be considered if they do not progress physiological understanding of these responses. Topic editors: Eleonora Cataldo, Sergio Puccioni Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/83433/optimizing-irrigation-and-water-use-efficiency-in-strawberry-and-small-berry-crops