Reviewer Guidelines
Standards for evaluating manuscripts in plant genetics and crop research.
Peer Review Excellence
Your expert evaluation ensures JGRC publishes rigorous, impactful research that advances plant genetics and agricultural science.
Reviewer Responsibilities
Peer reviewers provide expert assessment of manuscript quality, methodology, and significance. Key responsibilities include:
- Evaluate scientific merit, experimental design, and data quality
- Assess clarity, organization, and presentation
- Provide constructive, actionable feedback for improvement
- Complete reviews within agreed timeframe (typically 2-3 weeks)
- Maintain strict confidentiality of manuscript content
- Disclose potential conflicts of interest
Evaluation Criteria
Scientific Rigor
Sound methodology, appropriate controls, and valid statistical analysis.
Novelty
Original contribution advancing knowledge in plant genetics or crop science.
Significance
Relevance and potential impact on the field and agricultural applications.
Presentation
Clear writing, logical structure, and appropriate use of figures and tables.
Writing Constructive Reviews
- Begin with summary of manuscript strengths and contributions
- Organize concerns as major (affecting conclusions) and minor (presentation)
- Provide specific, actionable suggestions for improvement
- Support criticisms with evidence and reasoning
- Maintain professional, respectful tone throughout
Ethical Standards
- Decline reviews outside your area of expertise
- Report conflicts of interest to the editor
- Do not share manuscript content with third parties
- Do not use unpublished information from reviewed manuscripts
- Report suspected misconduct to the editorial office
Join Our Reviewer Network
Contribute your expertise to plant genetics peer review.
