The editorial institutions of the Colombian Journal of Horticultural Sciences are pleased to communicate the recent entry into quartile 3 (Q3) of the SJR (Scimago), in the topics of Horticulture; Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology (miscellaneous); and Agricultural and Biological Sciences (miscellaneous). Performance indicators indicate that the Journal has an H-index of 7, SJR of 0.230, the highest number of citations received from Scopus journals, 105 and 113 for the years 2022 and 2023, the ratio of cited articles greater than 0.8 for windows 4 , 3 and 2 years of observation, increase in the number of cited articles (56 in 2022 and 61 by 2023), significant participation of female authors (>36% by 2023) and contribution of articles with the sustainable development goals, >12. The inclusion of the journal in Scopus allows the characterization of published articles, not only from its area of knowledge, but also from different public policy perspectives.

This issue presents a collection of content mainly focused on the sections, fruit trees, vegetables, and aromatic, medicinal and condiment plants. They are works on topics on management of cropping systems, efficiency of practices and activities, as well as evaluations of promising species due to the antimicrobial activity of their active compounds.

The fruit section describes the application of brassinosteroids in purple passion fruit under conditions of water stress, apparently it has a positive effect on the height, leaf area and fresh and dry masses of the plant. In the case of yellow passion fruit crops for the low tropics, the productivity and quality of the fruit was monitored with different types of trellis, simple trellis, simple trellis with upper T or 'mantel' and pergola or 'barbecue’. The best results were simple trellising due to the possibility of increasing planting density and facilitating cultural practices.

Grafting in avocado cultivation is a common practice for establishing orchards, greater plant vigor and mitigation of diseases, but it causes morphological alterations in the stem due to the rootstock and the type scion. In 'Hass' avocado, (in)compatibility did not significantly affect the yield, fruits per tree and their size distribution as happens with the harvest season (main and secondary). On the other hand, with the purpose of ensuring the propagation of blackberry cv. Tupy, the application of indolebutyric acid and paclobutrazol to 10 cm long cuttings was evaluated. The results suggest an unfavorable effect to the exogenous application of these growth regulators with inhibition of rooting.

The biocontrol of brown rot caused by Monilinia fruticola in peach was evaluated with strains of Bacillus subtilis in in vitro tests and inoculated fruits. The inhibition and reduction of severity was greater than 88%, suggesting its implementation for the management of the disease and even the replacement of treatment with chemical fungicides.

The extension of postharvest life in cape gooseberry fruits was treated with hydrocooling, application of CaCl₂ (1%) and refrigeration conditions at 4ºC. Refrigeration increased the extension of the fruits life from 19 to 33 days, but those subjected to the three experimental conditions maintained better post-harvest quality conditions and a greater delay in ripening.

The vegetable section presents the effect of irrigation on potato cultivation in the Andean zone, although the crop is very efficient in water productivity and can have a good environmental water supply, the shallow root of the potato makes it susceptible to drought seasons. Drip irrigation presented the best results followed by sprinkler irrigation.

The section of aromatic, medicinal and condiment plants makes a compilation of studies on the antimicrobial activity of Melochia pyramidata (L.), Eryngium foetidum (L.), Clinopodium brownei ([Sw.] Kuntze) and Peperomia subpathulata (Yunck) because of its chemical compounds, from essential oils and ethanolic extracts in the control of pathogens of agricultural and medical importance. Likewise, the results of a cannabis breeding program are presented to increase the contents of cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrhydrocannabinol (THC) along with other agronomic characteristics. A greater width of the central leaflet would increase the CBD and THC contents.

I am delighted to welcome you as the new Chief editor of our journal, Professor Germán Eduardo Cely Reyes. I wish you the utmost success in your new role and look forward to the positive changes you will bring. As members of the SCCH, we are committed to providing you with all the support necessary to strengthen and position our journal at the forefront of academic publishing.