Peer Review Policy

Maintaining Scientific Excellence Through Peer Review

The Journal of Plant Science and Phytopathology (JPSP) is committed to maintaining the highest standards of scientific excellence by implementing a rigorous peer review process. Every submitted manuscript undergoes a thorough assessment to ensure it meets the criteria of originality, scientific validity, and relevance to the fields of plant science, crop research, and plant pathology.

Through this process, we strive to advance knowledge in plant biology, disease management, and sustainable agriculture while fostering innovation in plant research.

Peer Review Process

All manuscripts submitted to JPSP undergo a double-blind peer review process to ensure a fair and unbiased evaluation. The process includes the following steps:

  1. Initial Screening: The editorial team evaluates submissions for relevance, adherence to journal guidelines, and plagiarism checks.
  2. Reviewer Assignment: Manuscripts are assigned to **two or more expert reviewers** specializing in plant sciences, pathology, or crop research.
  3. Anonymous Evaluation: Reviewers and authors remain anonymous to maintain objectivity and fairness.
  4. Feedback and Recommendations: Reviewers assess the manuscript’s methodology, significance, and clarity, providing constructive comments.
  5. Revision Process: Authors may be required to revise their manuscript based on reviewer feedback.
  6. Editorial Decision: The final decision is based on reviewers' recommendations and editorial board evaluation.
  7. Publication: Accepted manuscripts are assigned a **DOI** and published online for global access.

Review Criteria

Reviewers evaluate manuscripts based on:

  • Scientific Rigor: Methodological soundness, experimental design, and reproducibility.
  • Relevance: Contribution to plant science, pathology, and sustainable agricultural practices.
  • Innovation: Novel insights into plant disease management, biotechnology, and crop improvement.
  • Ethical Compliance: Adherence to ethical guidelines, including proper research permissions.
  • Presentation: Clarity, organization, and adherence to the journal’s formatting standards.

Reviewer Responsibilities

Reviewers play a critical role in maintaining the quality of published research and are expected to:

  • Provide objective, detailed, and constructive feedback.
  • Assess methodological accuracy and ethical considerations.
  • Maintain confidentiality and declare any conflicts of interest.
  • Support authors in improving the quality of their work.

Editorial Decisions

After the peer review process, the editorial board makes one of the following decisions:

  • Accepted: The manuscript is approved for publication.
  • Minor Revisions: Small modifications are requested before acceptance.
  • Major Revisions: Significant improvements are required for reconsideration.
  • Rejected: The manuscript does not meet the journal’s quality standards.

Authors will receive comprehensive feedback to enhance their work for future publication.

Appeals and Disputes

Authors can appeal editorial decisions by providing a detailed response addressing reviewer comments. Appeals are reviewed by the editorial board for a final resolution.

Commitment to Ethical Peer Review

The Journal of Plant Science and Phytopathology adheres to the ethical guidelines established by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and follows the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) recommendations to ensure fairness, integrity, and transparency in the peer review process.

For any inquiries regarding the peer review process, please contact our editorial office at [email protected].