The PLANTA- Policies, Aim and Scope

The PLANTA Research Book Series an open access journal which means that all content is freely available without charge to the user or his/her institution. Users are allowed to read, download, copy, distribute, print, search, or link to the full texts of the articles, or use them for any other lawful purpose, without asking prior permission from the publisher or the author. This is in accordance with the BOAI definition of open access.

The PLANTA – Research Book Series Publication and Ethics Policy

1. About, Aim and Scope:
The PLANTA Research Book Series is dedicated to advancing the understanding of Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry, Applied and Life Sciences, Plant Biology, Ecology, Physiology, Genetics, and Related fields. It serves as a platform for high-quality, original research, reviews, and perspectives that contribute to the broader knowledge of plant sciences.

The PLANTA RBS provides a forum to the scientific community to publish Original Articles, Reviews, General Articles and Short Communications on the areas mentioned below and belonging to the scope of the Journal but not limited to:

  1. Botany
  2. Zoology
  3. Chemistry
  4. Environmental Science
  5. Plant Protection (Pathology/ Nematology / Entomology)
  6. Soil Science
  7. Food Science
  8. Social Sciences (Agricultural Economics/ Extension Education)
  9. Horticulture (Fruit Science/ Vegetable Science/Floriculture/ Plantation Spices/ Post Harvest)
  10. Plant Breeding and Genetics
  11. Seed Science and Technology
  12. Medicinal & Aromatic Plants
  13. Forestry (Forest Production & Utilization/ Silviculture & Agro-forestry/ Tree Physiology & Breeding/ Tree Improvement/ Wood Science)
  14. Plant Biotechnology
  15. Microbiology
  16. Molecular Biology
  17. Agri Business Management
  18. Agronomy
  19. Agro-Meteorology
  20. Plant Biochemistry and Plant Physiology and
  21. Agri Engineering

2. Manuscript Categories:
The journal accepts the following types of manuscripts:

  • Research Articles: Original research studies that present novel findings, hypotheses, methodologies, and experimental results within the field of plant sciences.
  • Reviews/ Review Article: Comprehensive, authoritative reviews that synthesize existing literature, identify trends, and propose new directions for research.
  • Short Communication/ General Article / Perspectives: General Findings, Mini or Micro Research Findings, Opinion pieces, commentaries, and discussions on emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities in plant sciences.

3. Editorial Process:
All submitted manuscripts undergo a rigorous peer-review process to ensure quality, accuracy, and relevance. The process includes the following steps:

  • Initial Evaluation: The editorial team assesses each submission for alignment with the journal’s scope and adherence to formatting guidelines.
  • Peer Review: Manuscripts deemed suitable for review are assigned to expert reviewers in the relevant field. Reviewers evaluate the scientific validity, significance, methodology, and presentation of the work.
  • Decision: Based on reviewer feedback, the editorial team makes a decision on acceptance, revision, or rejection. Authors may be required to revise their manuscripts based on reviewer comments.
  • Final Decision: The editorial team makes the final decision on acceptance after reviewing the revised manuscript. Accepted manuscripts are then prepared for publication.

4. Open Access:
The PLANTA – Research Book Series is an open-access series, ensuring that all published content is freely accessible to readers worldwide. Authors retain the copyright to their work and grant the journal a license to publish and distribute the manuscript.

5. Manuscript Submission:
Authors are required to submit their manuscripts through the journal’s online submission system. Submissions should adhere to the formatting guidelines provided on the journal’s website.

6. Ethical Guidelines:
Authors must adhere to high ethical standards in conducting research and writing manuscripts. Plagiarism, data fabrication, and unethical research practices are strictly prohibited.

7. Data Availability:
Authors are encouraged to provide access to data and materials that support their findings, enabling readers to replicate and validate the research.

8. Publication Charges:
To cover the costs of peer review, production, and open access publication, the journal levies an article processing charge (APC). Waivers or discounts may be available for authors from low-income countries or under special circumstances.

9. Retraction and Corrections:
The journal upholds the responsibility to retract or correct articles if issues related to research integrity, data accuracy, or other ethical concerns are identified after publication.

10. Editorial Independence:
The editorial decisions are made based on the scientific merit of the manuscripts, without any influence from the sponsoring organizations, authors’ affiliations, or external parties.

11. Archiving:
Authors are encouraged to self-archive the final version of their published articles into institutional and public repositories. For this purpose, authors are strongly encouraged to use the final PDF version published on the website of the journal.

By adhering to these publication policies, The PLANTA Research Book Series aims to maintain the highest standards of scientific integrity, quality, and accessibility in the field of plant sciences.

Publication Ethics Policy

1. Introduction

The PLANTA – Research Book Series is committed to upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct in the publication of research works. This Publication Ethics Policy outlines the principles and guidelines that authors, editors, reviewers, and the editorial board must adhere to in order to ensure the integrity and quality of the publications produced by the journal.

2. Author Responsibilities

2.1. Originality and Plagiarism: Authors must ensure that their submitted works are original and have not been published elsewhere. Plagiarism in any form, including self-plagiarism, is strictly prohibited. Proper citations and references must be provided for all sources used.

2.2. Authorship: All individuals who have significantly contributed to the research and manuscript should be listed as authors. Any other contributors should be acknowledged appropriately.

2.3. Data and Results: Authors should present accurate and reliable research data. Manipulation or falsification of data is unacceptable. Any errors or inaccuracies discovered after publication should be promptly corrected.

2.4. Conflicts of Interest: Authors should disclose any potential conflicts of interest that could influence the interpretation of their work. This includes financial, personal, or other relationships that may bias the research.

3. Editorial Responsibilities

3.1. Fair Review Process: The editorial process should be fair and unbiased. Manuscripts should be evaluated based on their academic merit, irrespective of authors’ affiliations, gender, race, or other personal characteristics.

3.2. Confidentiality: Editors, reviewers, and other editorial staff must treat submitted manuscripts and their content as confidential until published. Reviewers should not disclose any details of the manuscript to unauthorized individuals.

3.3. Conflict of Interest: Editors and reviewers must declare any potential conflicts of interest that might arise from relationships with the authors, institutions, or any other related parties.

3.4. Timely Decision: Editors should strive to make timely decisions on submitted manuscripts. Reviewers’ comments and feedback should be communicated to authors constructively and promptly.

4. Reviewer Responsibilities

4.1. Objective Review: Reviewers should evaluate manuscripts objectively, focusing on their scientific quality, originality, and significance. Personal biases and conflicts of interest should not influence the review process.

4.2. Timeliness: Reviewers should submit their reviews within the agreed-upon timeframe. If unable to meet the deadline, they should inform the editorial office promptly.

4.3. Confidentiality: Reviewers must maintain the confidentiality of the peer review process. Manuscripts and related information should not be shared with unauthorized individuals.

4.4. Constructive Feedback: Reviewers should provide constructive and detailed feedback to authors, helping them to improve the quality of their work.

5. Publication Decision

5.1. The final decision to accept or reject a manuscript rests with the editorial board based on the recommendations of reviewers and editors.

6. Corrections and Retractions

6.1. If errors are identified in published works, the journal will consider publishing errata, corrigenda, or retractions as appropriate.

7. Allegations of Misconduct

7.1. The journal takes allegations of research misconduct seriously. Any allegations of plagiarism, data fabrication, falsification, or unethical behavior will be investigated thoroughly.

8. Open Access and Licensing

8.1. The PLANTA – Research Book Series follows an open access model, ensuring the broad dissemination of knowledge. Authors retain copyright of their work, and content is typically published under a Creative Commons license.

9. Reporting Violations

9.1. Any breaches of this Publication Ethics Policy should be reported to the editorial office. Appropriate actions, including retractions, corrections, or sanctions, will be taken based on the severity of the violation.

10. Continuous Improvement

10.1. This Publication Ethics Policy will be reviewed periodically to ensure its relevance and effectiveness in maintaining ethical standards. Revisions will be made as necessary.

Adopted by the Editorial Board of The PLANTA – Research Book Series

10. LicensingPublisher’s own license

The author(s) acknowledged that the manuscript submitted is his/her/their own original work; all authors participated in the work in a substantive way and are prepared to take public responsibility for the work. I have reviewed the final version of manuscript and approve it for publication. The manuscript is not published elsewhere, in any language, and is not under simultaneous consideration by any other journal/ book. All Authors agree that the contents of the manuscript are confidential and will not be copyrighted, submitted, or published elsewhere, in any language, while acceptance by The Planta RBS is under consideration. Furthermore I attest that I shall produce the data upon which the manuscript is based for examination by the editors or their assignees, if requested. I further confirm that this article has not been published elsewhere, nor is it under consideration by any other publisher. I/We also warrant that the article contains no libelous or unlawful statements and does not contain material or instructions that might cause harm or injury.

Plantica Group of Researchers (PGR), India