Submissions

Author Guidelines

Article Types

Word limits are provided as general guidance. Editors may accept papers exceeding these limits based on peer review feedback.

Research article

Reports original full-length research with a detailed narrative covering introduction, materials and methods, results, discussion, and references.

Feature	Details
Abstract limit	Up to 250 words (excluding keywords)
Word limit	Up to 6,500 words (excluding abstract, references, tables, figures, and legends)
Tables and figures	Maximum of 8 combined
References limit	Up to 60, prioritizing key and relevant citations
Supplemental info	Allowed for less essential materials, methods, data, tables, and figures

Review article

Provides a thorough and systematic analysis of current literature on a specific topic, including expert evaluation, future outlook, and challenges. Reviews should include an introduction, clearly named sections, and a concluding perspective. Standard sections like acknowledgements, contributions, competing interests, and funding must be included.

Feature	Details
Abstract limit	Up to 250 words
Word limit	Up to 6,000 words (excluding abstract, references, figures, and tables)
References limit	Up to 100
Supplemental info	Optional

Mini Review

Focuses on specific aspects and recent advances within a current research area. Provides clear, concise summaries to update readers on new findings or concepts.

Feature	Details
Abstract limit	Up to 200 words
Word limit	Up to 3,500 words (excluding abstract, references, figures, and tables)
References limit	Up to 50
Supplemental info	Optional

Method

Describes a new method, technique, or technology with broad utility and potential impact. Includes technical details and usage recommendations.

Feature	Details
Abstract limit	Up to 200 words
Word limit	Up to 3,000 words (excluding abstract, references, figures, and tables)
References limit	Up to 40
Supplemental info	Allowed for less crucial materials, methods, and data

Editorial

A timely, authoritative opinion on a topic or paper, typically authored or invited by the Editor-in-Chief.

Feature	Details
Abstract limit	Not applicable
Word limit	Up to 1,000 words (excluding references)
References limit	Up to 10
Supplemental info	Optional

Perspective

Presents an opinion or novel viewpoint on existing research, proposing new hypotheses, discussing innovations, and exploring implications. May include original data.

Feature	Details
Abstract limit	Not applicable
Word limit	Up to 3,000 words (excluding abstract, references, and figure legends)
References limit	Up to 40
Supplemental info	Optional

Short Communication

Concise, peer-reviewed reports of original, hypothesis-driven research or new theories based on existing data. May also provide essential additional information for reproducibility or correct interpretation.

Feature	Details
Abstract limit	Up to 200 words
Word limit	Up to 3,000 words (excluding abstract, references, figures, and tables)
References limit	Up to 40
Supplemental info	Optional

Resources

Describes collections of tools or large datasets with broad relevance and significance to the research field.

Feature	Details
Abstract limit	Up to 150 words
Word limit	Up to 5,000 words (excluding abstract, references, and figure legends)
References limit	Up to 50
Supplemental info	Optional

Research Highlight

Offers a concise summary emphasizing emerging topics and frontiers in vegetable research. Highlights are invited from experts and should provide an objective overview without focusing heavily on the authors’ own work. Original data or analysis should not be included. May be peer-reviewed at the editor’s discretion.

Feature	Details
Abstract limit	Not applicable
Word limit	Up to 1,200 words (excluding references)
References limit	Up to 5
Supplemental info	Not applicable

Submission Preparation Checklist

All submissions must meet the following requirements.

This submission meets the requirements outlined in the Author Guidelines.
This submission has not been previously published, nor is it before another journal for consideration.
All references have been checked for accuracy and completeness.
All tables and figures have been numbered and labeled.
Permission has been obtained to publish all photos, datasets and other material provided with this submission.

Articles

Section default policy

Copyright Notice

Guidelines for Scientific Writing: When using generative artificial intelligence (AI) and AI-assisted technologies in manuscript preparation, these tools are permitted solely to enhance readability and language clarity. Such technologies must be carefully monitored by authors, who bear full responsibility for reviewing, editing, and validating the accuracy of AI-generated content, as AI outputs may sometimes be authoritative in appearance but potentially inaccurate or biased. Large Language Models (LLMs), such as ChatGPT, must not be listed as authors or co-authors, nor cited as authors. Authors using AI tools must disclose their use clearly within the manuscript and include a relevant statement. However, the use of AI for copy-editing purposes does not require disclosure.

Guidelines for Figures, Images, and Artwork: The generation or modification of figures, images, and artwork using AI tools raises significant legal and ethical considerations. Trends in Plant Biology strictly complies with copyright laws and publishing ethics. Due to unresolved legal issues concerning AI-generated visuals, the journal does not permit the use of generative AI or AI-assisted tools to create or alter images or figures in submitted manuscripts, including any form of enhancement, modification, or removal of details. The creation of artwork, such as graphical abstracts, using AI tools is also prohibited.

The sole exception Is when AI tools are Integral to research methodology for example, AI-assisted imaging used to generate research data. In these cases, authors must provide a clear description of the AI tools employed, including the name, version, and manufacturer, within the methods section. Authors are expected to comply with the software’s usage policies and provide appropriate attribution. Editorial requests for original or pre-AI-processed images may be made to ensure integrity during review.

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