Instructions for Authors

Comprehensive guidelines for preparing and submitting plant genetics and crop research manuscripts.

JGRC publishes several article types to accommodate different research contributions:

Original research articles should follow this standard structure:

• Title: Concise, informative, reflecting the main findings. Avoid abbreviations except well-known terms.
• Authors: Full names with affiliations, ORCID identifiers, and corresponding author contact details.
• Abstract: Structured with Background, Methods, Results, and Conclusions sections. Include 4-6 keywords.
• Introduction: Establish context, review relevant literature, state objectives and hypotheses.
• Materials and Methods: Sufficient detail for reproducibility including plant materials, experimental design, and statistical analyses.
• Results: Present findings logically with appropriate tables and figures. Avoid interpretation in this section.
• Discussion: Interpret results in context of existing literature, address limitations, suggest future directions.
• Conclusions: Summarize key findings and their significance for plant genetics and crop improvement.
• Acknowledgments: Recognize contributions not meeting authorship criteria.
• References: Complete citations using Vancouver style with DOIs where available.

Manuscripts involving genetic research should include:

Visual elements should enhance understanding of your research:

• Submit figures as separate high-resolution files (minimum 300 dpi for photographs, 600 dpi for line art)
• Acceptable formats: TIFF, EPS, PDF, or high-quality JPEG
• Include clear legends explaining all elements without requiring reference to the text
• Use color-blind friendly palettes when possible; ensure figures are interpretable in grayscale
• Tables should be editable (not images) with clear headers and minimal horizontal lines
• Number figures and tables consecutively and cite in order of appearance

JGRC requires data availability statements for all research articles. Authors should indicate how underlying data can be accessed:

• Public repositories (GenBank, Dryad, Figshare, Zenodo) with accession numbers or DOIs
• Supplementary materials accompanying the article
• Available upon reasonable request from corresponding author
• Restricted access with explanation (commercial sensitivity, legal constraints)

For genomic and transcriptomic studies, raw sequence data should be deposited in appropriate databases (SRA, ENA) prior to publication.

Format references using Vancouver numbered style:

• Number references consecutively in order of first citation
• Include DOIs for all references with available identifiers
• List all authors for references with six or fewer authors; use "et al." for seven or more
• Abbreviate journal names according to Index Medicus/PubMed conventions
• Verify all reference details before submission

Submit manuscripts through one of our convenient pathways:

• ManuscriptZone: Our online system at oap.manuscriptzone.net provides tracking and communication features.
• Simple Submission: Use our quick form for straightforward uploads.
• Email: Send to [email protected] with journal name in subject.

Include cover letter explaining significance, confirming originality, and suggesting potential reviewers (optional). All submissions undergo plagiarism screening before peer review.

Authors may include supplementary materials to support their main findings:

• Extended Data: Additional tables, figures, or datasets supporting primary results
• Methods Details: Detailed protocols, primer sequences, or technical specifications
• Multimedia: Videos demonstrating techniques or plant phenotypes
• Code/Scripts: Analysis code or custom software with documentation

Supplementary files should be clearly labeled and referenced in the main text. Large datasets should be deposited in appropriate repositories with accession numbers provided.

A well-crafted cover letter strengthens your submission by highlighting significance and novelty. Include:

• Brief explanation of the study's significance and key findings
• Statement confirming originality and exclusive submission
• Declaration of any potential conflicts of interest
• Suggested reviewers with contact information (optional but helpful)
• Any requests regarding handling (e.g., excluding certain reviewers)

After submission, manuscripts proceed through:

• Initial Screening: Editorial assessment of scope fit and basic requirements (3-5 days)
• Peer Review: Evaluation by 2-3 experts in plant genetics or crop science (3-4 weeks typical)
• Revision: Authors address reviewer comments with detailed response letter
• Acceptance: Final editorial decision followed by production
• Publication: Online publication within 2-3 weeks after proof approval

Authors uncertain about manuscript suitability may submit pre-submission inquiries to [email protected]. Include a brief description of your research, key findings, and any concerns about scope alignment. We respond to inquiries within 3-5 business days with guidance on submission appropriateness.