We publish multiple article types. Indicate the type on the title page.

• Original Research Articles present complete, novel studies supported by robust methodology and statistics. The main text is typically 5,000-7,000 words, with an abstract up to 300 words. Up to eight figures/tables are usual; references are not limited.
• Review Articles synthesize recent advances, controversies, and future directions. The main text is usually 6,000–10,000 words, abstract up to 300 words, and up to ten figures/tables. References may extend to ~150 as appropriate.
• Short Communications / Research Notes report concise, high-impact findings or pilot data. Expect 2,000–3,500 words, a ~200-word abstract, and up to four figures/tables with ~40 references.
• Mini-Reviews are focused, up-to-date overviews of emerging topics. Aim for 3,000–5,000 words, a ≈250-word abstract, up to five figures/tables, and ~80 references.
• Perspectives / Commentaries provide expert viewpoints or policy/science interface pieces (≤2,000 words; ≤150-word abstract).
• Technical / Methods / Software Notes describe validated methods, tools, or code with sufficient detail for replication (≈3,500 words; ≈200-word abstract; up to six figures/tables).
• Data Notes briefly describe high-value datasets or resources with access details and validation (≤2,000 words; concise abstract).
• Letters to the Editor / Responses are short post-publication discussions (≤1,000 words; no abstract).

If your submission does not clearly fit one category, choose the closest and explain in your cover letter.

File format and layout

Submit in Microsoft Word (.docx). Use Times New Roman 12-pt, double spacing, 2.54-cm (1-inch) margins, continuous line numbering, and page numbers. Write in clear, grammatical English.

Structure

Create the manuscript in this order:

1. Title page: title (≤20 words), all authors’ names and affiliations, ORCID iDs, and the corresponding author’s email and full postal address. Include statements on funding, conflicts of interest, and ethics approvals where applicable.
2. Abstract and keywords: use a structured abstract summarizing background, methods, core results, and implications. Provide 4–6 keywords in alphabetical order.
3. Main text: use standard sections—Introduction; Materials and Methods; Results; Discussion; Conclusion. Short Communications may combine Results and Discussion.
4. Acknowledgments: 4.include funding numbers and contributions not qualifying for authorship.
5. Conflict of Interest: mandatory statement.
6. Data Availability Statement: specify repositories/links or conditions for access.
7. References: see “Referencing” below.
8. Figure legends: followed by tables (editable) and supplementary material descriptions

Figures, tables, and supplementary files

Upload figures as separate files (JPEG, TIFF, or PNG at ≥300 dpi). Avoid text embedded as images. Keep legends self-contained. Tables must be editable. Large datasets, code, and extended methods should be provided as supplementary files or hosted in recognized repositories (with accession numbers/DOIs).

Units, nomenclature, and reporting

Use SI units throughout. Italicize scientific names (e.g., Gossypium hirsutum L.). Follow accepted gene/protein nomenclature for the species studied. Describe experimental design, sampling, statistics, and validation so that an independent researcher can reproduce the work. Where relevant, follow community checklists (e.g., clear description of growth conditions, replicates, randomization, and controls).

Use APA 7th (author–year) style consistently. Provide DOIs where available. All references must be accurate and verifiable (e.g., Google Scholar/DOI). Examples:

• Khan, M. A., & Zhao, L. (2024). Gene editing for drought resilience in wheat. Plant Biotechnology Journal, 22(5), 1123–1135. https://doi.org/xxxxx
• FAO. (2023). World Food and Agriculture Statistical Yearbook 2023. Rome: FAO.

Avoid excessive self-citation and ensure citations are recent and relevant.

• Authorship requires substantial contributions to conception/design, data acquisition/analysis, or drafting/revision, plus approval of the final version and accountability for accuracy and integrity. Provide an authorship contribution statement on submission.
• Plagiarism: manuscripts must pass similarity checks (Turnitin/iThenticate). We generally expect <10% overall similarity and no unacceptable overlap.
• Human/animal/field studies: include ethics committee approvals/permit numbers and informed consent where applicable.
• Data integrity:image/data manipulation beyond clarity (e.g., contrast applied uniformly) is not allowed. Be prepared to share raw data on request.

Submit via the online system. All manuscripts undergo editorial triage (scope, format, ethics, and similarity check) followed by double-blind peer review by at least two experts. Decisions are: accept, minor revision, major revision, or reject. For revised submissions, include a detailed, point-by-point response to reviewers. Appeals must be reasoned and evidence-based and will be handled by a senior editor not involved in the initial decision.

The journal is fully open access under CC BY 4.0. Authors retain copyright. An Article Processing Charge (APC) may apply; waiver/discounts are available for authors from low- and middle-income countries and for invited content. APC details are posted on the journal website.

Articles receive DOIs via Crossref. The journal preserves content via a recognized archiving network (e.g., PKP PN/Portico). We aim for indexing in Scopus, Web of Science (ESCI), DOAJ, CAB Abstracts, AGRIS, and Google Scholar, and we structure policies and metadata accordingly.

Write concisely and avoid jargon where possible. Use inclusive, non-discriminatory language. If English is not your first language, consider professional editing prior to submission. Ensure figures are legible and color-blind friendly; avoid relying on color alone to convey meaning.

We correct the scholarly record as needed, following COPE guidance. Corrections, expressions of concern, and retractions are issued transparently and linked to the article DOI. Post-publication dialogue is welcomed via Letters to the Editor or formal Commentaries.

Editorial Office Plant & Crop Letters

Email: editor@plantcroplets.org

Website: www.plantcroplets.org

Publisher: [Your Publisher Name]