Shaping the Future of Horticulture: Innovative Technologies, Artificial Intelligence, and Robotic Automation Through a Bibliometric Lens

This study conducts a bibliometric and content analysis based on publications indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection, aiming to map the evolution and key themes in horticultural research in the context of technological innovation and sustainability. The results reveal a strong orientation tow...

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Main Authors: Maria Magdalena Poenaru, Liviu Florin Manta, Claudia Gherțescu, Alina Georgiana Manta
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-04-01
Series:Horticulturae
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2311-7524/11/5/449
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author Maria Magdalena Poenaru
Liviu Florin Manta
Claudia Gherțescu
Alina Georgiana Manta
author_facet Maria Magdalena Poenaru
Liviu Florin Manta
Claudia Gherțescu
Alina Georgiana Manta
author_sort Maria Magdalena Poenaru
collection DOAJ
description This study conducts a bibliometric and content analysis based on publications indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection, aiming to map the evolution and key themes in horticultural research in the context of technological innovation and sustainability. The results reveal a strong orientation toward digitalization and automation, particularly through the integration of artificial intelligence, mechatronic systems, and sensor-based monitoring in crop management. In the field of biotechnology, keywords such as gene expression, genetic diversity, and micropropagation reflect a sustained research interest in improving crop resilience and disease resistance through genetic and in vitro propagation techniques. Furthermore, concepts such as environmental control, soilless culture, energy efficiency, and co-generation highlight the focus on optimizing growing conditions and integrating renewable energy sources into protected horticultural systems. The geographical distribution of studies highlights increased academic output in countries like India and regions of sub-Saharan Africa, reflecting a global interest in transferring advanced technologies to vulnerable areas. Moreover, collaboration networks are dominated by leading institutions such as Wageningen University, which act as hubs for knowledge diffusion. The findings suggest that future research should prioritize the development of durable, energy-efficient horticultural technologies adapted to various agro-climatic zones. It is recommended that policymakers and stakeholders support interdisciplinary research initiatives, promote knowledge transfer mechanisms, and ensure equitable access to innovation for smallholder farmers and emerging economies.
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spelling doaj-art-7fddcefe62964868a30c6b467afadf2d2025-08-20T01:56:16ZengMDPI AGHorticulturae2311-75242025-04-0111544910.3390/horticulturae11050449Shaping the Future of Horticulture: Innovative Technologies, Artificial Intelligence, and Robotic Automation Through a Bibliometric LensMaria Magdalena Poenaru0Liviu Florin Manta1Claudia Gherțescu2Alina Georgiana Manta3Department of Horticulture and Food Science, Faculty of Horticulture, University of Craiova, 13 A.I. Cuza, 200585 Craiova, RomaniaDepartment of Mechatronics and Robotics, Faculty of Automation, Computers and Electronics, University of Craiova, 200585 Craiova, RomaniaDoctoral School in Economic Sciences “Eugeniu Carada”, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, University of Craiova, 200585 Craiova, RomaniaDepartment of Finance, Banking and Economic Analysis, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, University of Craiova, 200585 Craiova, RomaniaThis study conducts a bibliometric and content analysis based on publications indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection, aiming to map the evolution and key themes in horticultural research in the context of technological innovation and sustainability. The results reveal a strong orientation toward digitalization and automation, particularly through the integration of artificial intelligence, mechatronic systems, and sensor-based monitoring in crop management. In the field of biotechnology, keywords such as gene expression, genetic diversity, and micropropagation reflect a sustained research interest in improving crop resilience and disease resistance through genetic and in vitro propagation techniques. Furthermore, concepts such as environmental control, soilless culture, energy efficiency, and co-generation highlight the focus on optimizing growing conditions and integrating renewable energy sources into protected horticultural systems. The geographical distribution of studies highlights increased academic output in countries like India and regions of sub-Saharan Africa, reflecting a global interest in transferring advanced technologies to vulnerable areas. Moreover, collaboration networks are dominated by leading institutions such as Wageningen University, which act as hubs for knowledge diffusion. The findings suggest that future research should prioritize the development of durable, energy-efficient horticultural technologies adapted to various agro-climatic zones. It is recommended that policymakers and stakeholders support interdisciplinary research initiatives, promote knowledge transfer mechanisms, and ensure equitable access to innovation for smallholder farmers and emerging economies.https://www.mdpi.com/2311-7524/11/5/449horticultural technologiesindustrializationVOSviewerartificial intelligence
spellingShingle Maria Magdalena Poenaru
Liviu Florin Manta
Claudia Gherțescu
Alina Georgiana Manta
Shaping the Future of Horticulture: Innovative Technologies, Artificial Intelligence, and Robotic Automation Through a Bibliometric Lens
Horticulturae
horticultural technologies
industrialization
VOSviewer
artificial intelligence
title Shaping the Future of Horticulture: Innovative Technologies, Artificial Intelligence, and Robotic Automation Through a Bibliometric Lens
title_full Shaping the Future of Horticulture: Innovative Technologies, Artificial Intelligence, and Robotic Automation Through a Bibliometric Lens
title_fullStr Shaping the Future of Horticulture: Innovative Technologies, Artificial Intelligence, and Robotic Automation Through a Bibliometric Lens
title_full_unstemmed Shaping the Future of Horticulture: Innovative Technologies, Artificial Intelligence, and Robotic Automation Through a Bibliometric Lens
title_short Shaping the Future of Horticulture: Innovative Technologies, Artificial Intelligence, and Robotic Automation Through a Bibliometric Lens
title_sort shaping the future of horticulture innovative technologies artificial intelligence and robotic automation through a bibliometric lens
topic horticultural technologies
industrialization
VOSviewer
artificial intelligence
url https://www.mdpi.com/2311-7524/11/5/449
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