An occasional series highlighting the life and work of members of our vibrant global community of horticultural scientists.
Margherita Beruto is Chairperson of the ISHS Division Ornamental Plants (DORN) 2018-2026 and former Director of the Regional Institute for Floriculture (IRF), Sanremo (Italy).
About you – Who are you and what do you do?
I received my Ph.D. in Agricultural Sciences and Applied Biology: Biotechnology Cellular and Genetics at the University of Gent (Belgium). I am the former Director of the Regional Institute for Floriculture (IRF), Sanremo (Italy), a research institute belonging to the Liguria Region aimed at conducting multidisciplinary research and providing specialized services to make the floriculture sector of the area economically, ecologically, and socially sustainable. During my tenure, I coordinated several research units covering pathology, genetic improvement, propagation and cultivation techniques applied to floriculture crops.
Presently, I am involved in the ISHS (International Society for Horticultural Science), where in the period 2018-2026, I have held the position of chair of the ornamental plants division, and I serve on the Editorial Boards of international scientific journals.
How did you become a researcher?
I must say that research has always been in my nature, ever since my brother, who is much older than me, gave me a microscope for my tenth birthday! However, my journey in floriculture began shortly after my degree in Biology. Two experiences mainly shaped my professional career. The first one was a long and fruitful collaboration with Professor Debergh and his team at the University of Gent (Belgium). It was a formative experience both professionally and personally, which shaped my professional journey in plant biotechnology. The thesis I developed under his supervision was aimed at studying the nutritional fluxes during in vitro plant tissue culture to optimize the micropropagation processes, and Ranunculus asiaticus, a geophyte well-grown under the temperate and Mediterranean climate, was used as a plant model.
Afterwards, I began to work closely with local entrepreneurs, applying the knowledge gained on the micropropagation of this plant; this led to the development of a new product for the market: the ranunculus clone, which today is the most widely produced cut flower in the Sanremo area, and this flower has gained an international impact. This period was also highly formative for me; I learned how vital it is for research to be able to “engage in dialogue” with industry. This interaction encourages the researcher to ask questions and to adopt clear and effective communication. It is truly a path that must be built to achieve a shared goal, even when coming from different backgrounds.
What is your favourite plant and why?
I must say that the ornamental sector is characterized by a high turnover and, therefore, one often deals with many species, all of which present interesting aspects. However, how can you not be fond of your first love? So, I have been deeply keen on ranunculus. Ranunculus asiaticus, or the Persian Buttercup, is a tuberous perennial celebrated for its multi-petaled, dense, peony-like blooms. Native to the eastern Mediterranean, it is a cut flower and garden plant that thrives in cool, sunny Mediterranean climates (like Liguria) and typically blooms in late winter to spring.
Our studies were addressed to point out a micropropagation protocol for ranunculus which until then was only propagated by seed, resulting in significant heterogeneity that relegated ranunculus to a cut flower used mainly in so-called “spring” mixed bouquets shipped to northern Europe at the end of winter. Nowadays, ranunculus is the first cut flower produced and sold in Sanremo, and it is growing its impact also on the international market. The in vitro techniques allowed us to improve the seed lines and provided clones with different colors. It is amazing to see the flowering period at ranunculus cultivations!
Have you ever had a “light bulb” moment or made an exciting discovery?
Team research often offers “light bulb” moments; questions are asked, solutions are found, or sometimes, we get caught up in attention-grabbing questions. This is all fascinating on a professional and personal level. Certainly, the industrial application of the ranunculus micropropagation protocol was one of those moments. The importance of our studies lies in the fact that seed-propagated ranunculus exhibits significant heterogeneity. Indeed, ranunculus is a largely self-incompatible species, and therefore careful crosses between parental lines are necessary, avoiding the loss of fertility that often occurs with excessive inbreeding. It can take up to 6-8 years to obtain a viable seed line.
Vegetative propagation in vivo offers low multiplication rates and raises concerns about the spread of pathogens that compromise the crop. Micropropagation has offered a valuable method for obtaining cultivars, hence plants that are homogeneous not only in their flowering but also in their agronomic performance. In effect, a new product has been introduced to the market, elevating the status of this crop from a simple, minor bulbous plant used in mixed bouquets to an internationally recognized and appreciated flower. The industrialization of ranunculus production has benefited the entire horticultural industry, even creating new jobs. It’s this complex combination of scientific, economic, and social factors that have contributed to our “light bulb” moment.
Our group, however, was focused on studies aimed at production diversification with the aim of obtaining new products but also proposing new solutions for sustainable cultivation. We have worked on other Ranunculaceae, such as hellebore and tree peony, for cut flower production. The work plan involved conducting crossbreeding and selection programs and then studying micropropagation protocols to develop a pre-multiplication service used by breeders, nurseries, and commercial laboratories. The moment we dedicated our hellebore cultivar to Pope Francis was touching and exciting!
My job at IRF was stimulating because research aimed at supporting floriculture entrepreneurship is extremely inspiring, as it combines a passion for nature with technological innovation, environmental sustainability, and market dynamics. It is a dynamic sector that demands quick responses to complex challenges, offering the opportunity to see your innovations applied directly in the field.
About your role as Associate Editor of the ISHS Journal eJHS (European Journal of Horticultural Science) – what do you enjoy about being an Associate Editor for eJHS?
The European Journal of Horticultural Science (eJHS) is dedicated to sustainable innovation and contributes to shaping the direction of global horticulture. I enjoy several aspects of being part of this journal as an Associate Editor. It is incredibly rewarding to help authors refine their findings and ensure high-quality, sustainable research gets shared with the global scientific community. Moreover, I enjoy that I can stay at the forefront of my discipline, read innovative methodologies, and network with leading researchers and reviewers worldwide who are contributing to the future of horticulture.
Which of the ISHS journal papers published in eJHS or Fruits has influenced your own work?
Personally, I believe eJHS offers a broad view of the horticulture sector. This is particularly important because our research is becoming increasingly multidisciplinary, and even if it focuses on a specific topic, you need to be open-minded and ready to capture aspects of a sector that can also be used to support or integrate your own research. So, to answer your question, I’d say I’m primarily interested in publications on propagation, but I always look at the entire issue.
Which “hot topics” in horticulture should we look out for in future? Specifically, hot topics in your region currently.
The ornamental sector appears market-driven, extremely competitive, with a very globalized supply-chain, where dynamic flows on a worldwide scale are interdependent and integrated. At the global level, according to this production and market scenario, the ornamental industry is expected to change to react to market globalization. Moreover, the ornamental sector must meet several other issues such as:
- modified consumption trends showing an increasing consciousness about biophilia and “neo-ecology” sentiments;
- evolution and spreading of information and communications technology (ICT) and the internet;
- alterations arising from climate changes;
- the necessity to reduce energy-input and to reach a production flow sustainable from the environmental, social and economic point of view;
- pest management performed with alternative strategies and tools to reduce agrochemicals;
- the need to provide end-consumers with increased product quality at an acceptable price.
Considering this, innovation is extremely important for seizing new opportunities from these challenges and a holistic approach is mandatory. I think that the advancements of plant tissue culture in the breeding, propagation, and conservation field could have a pivotal role.
What would you say to anybody thinking about publishing in eJHS?
The eJHS can guarantee visibility and opportunity of networking thanks to its partnership with CABI and its status as the official journal of the International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS). It is recommended since it is an open access journal, ensuring high visibility for cutting-edge methodologies and plant science discoveries with a multidisciplinary approach.
About the International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS)
How can ISHS members get involved with eJHS and how would that benefit them and the journal?
ISHS members can get involved with eJHS at different levels. They can submit their original research, methodologies, and review papers to the journal. From this perspective, it could be very interesting to highlight how the research presented at a conference and disseminated through the proceedings published in Acta Horticulturae can be developed on a scientific basis in eJHS. This could increase the visibility of the work.
Moreover, ISHS members can be peer reviewers of submitted manuscripts, and they can serve in editorial roles. The members benefit from boosting their academic visibility, they are enabled to participate in the international scientific community and can take advantage of financial discounts. For the journal, member engagement ensures the high quality of scientific standards, expands its global reach, and secures its position as a leading open access publication.
What advice would you give to students and early career researchers new to the ISHS?
For students and early career researchers joining ISHS, the most important advice is to actively participate in the ISHS Young Minds program. It is designed specifically for students and professionals under 40, offering an invaluable gateway to global mentorship and networking. It is important to attend ISHS-organized symposia, workshops, and congresses to socialize and build relationships that can shape their career. In addition, taking part in this community can provide opportunities for internships, academic exchanges or opportunity for awards that can enhance global recognition.
Thanks to Margherita Beruto, Regional Institute for Floriculture, Italy.
ISHS role: Chair of ISHS Ornamental Plants Division (2018-2026)
Expertise: Ornamentals, Plant propagation; Plant growth and development
This article first appeared in the ‘Meet the Editors‘ series by CABI, the publisher of the ISHS Journal eJHS.