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Journals in Agricultural and biological sciences

The Agricultural and Biological Sciences collection advances science-based knowledge for the improvement of animal and plant life and for secure food systems that produce nutritious, novel, sustainable foods with minimal environmental impact. Food Science titles include not only those products from agriculture but all other aspects from food production to nutrition, health and safety, chemistry to security, policy, law and regulation. Biological Sciences address animal behaviour and biodiversity, organismal and evolutionary biology, entomology, marine biology and aquaculture, plant science and forestry.

    • Steroids

      • ISSN: 0039-128X
      STEROIDS is an international research journal devoted to studies on all chemical and biological aspects of steroidal moieties. The journal focuses on both experimental and theoretical studies on the biology, chemistry, biosynthesis, metabolism, molecular biology, physiology and pharmacology of steroids and other molecules that target or regulate steroid receptors. Manuscripts presenting clinical research related to steroids, steroid drug development, comparative endocrinology of steroid hormones, investigations on the mechanism of steroid action and steroid chemistry are all appropriate for submission for peer review. STEROIDS publishes both original research and timely reviews. For details concerning the preparation of manuscripts see Instructions to Authors, which is published in each issue of the journal.
    • Plant Physiology and Biochemistry

      • ISSN: 0981-9428
      Integrating molecular, cellular, and organismal plant biologyPlant Physiology and Biochemistry publishes original theoretical, experimental and technical contributions in the various fields of plant physiology (biochemistry, physiology, structure, genetics, plant-microbe interactions, etc.) at diverse levels of integration (molecular, subcellular, cellular, organ, whole plant, environmental). Opinions expressed in the journal are the sole responsibility of the authors and publication does not imply the agreement.Manuscript... describing molecular-genetic and/or gene expression data that are not integrated with biochemical analysis and/or actual measurements of plant physiological processes are not suitable for PPB. Also "Omics" studies (transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, etc.) reporting descriptive analysis without an element of functional validation assays of investigated genes (DEGs), will not be considered. Similarly, applied agronomic or phytochemical studies that generate no new, fundamental insights in plant physiological and/or biochemical processes are not suitable for publication in PPB. Plant Physiology and Biochemistry publishes several types of articles: Reviews, Papers and Short Papers. Authors interested in writing a review article should contact one of the review editors in advance by submitting a summary of the intended manuscript. The editor may then send an official letter of invitation with further instructions. Reviews should not exceed 40 typewritten pages and Short Papers no more than approximately 8 typewritten pages. The fundamental character of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry remains that of a journal for original results.
    • Journal of Plant Physiology

      • ISSN: 0176-1617
      Mechanisms of Plant Function: from Molecular to Ecosystem ScalesThe Journal of Plant Physiology is a broad-spectrum journal that welcomes high-quality submissions in all major areas of plant physiology, including plant biochemistry, functional biotechnology, computational and synthetic plant biology, growth and development (including reproduction), photosynthesis and respiration, transport and translocation, plant-microbe interactions, biotic and abiotic stress. Studies are welcome at all levels of integration ranging from molecules and cells to organisms and their environments and are expected to use state-of-the-art methodologies. Pure gene expression studies are not within the focus of our journal. To be considered for publication, papers must significantly contribute to the mechanistic understanding of physiological processes, and not be merely descriptive, or confirmatory of previous results. We encourage the submission of papers that explore the physiology of non-model as well as accepted model species and those that bridge basic and applied research. For instance, studies on agricultural plants that show new physiological mechanisms to improve agricultural efficiency are welcome. Studies performed under uncontrolled situations (e.g. field conditions) not providing mechanistic insight will not be considered for publication.The Journal of Plant Physiology publishes several types of articles: Original Research Articles, Humboldt Reviews, Early-Career Researcher Reviews, Invited Reviews, Perspectives, Opinion Articles and Short Communications and Spotlights. Reviews, Perspectives and Opinion Articles will be solicited by the Editors; unsolicited reviews are also welcome but only from authors with a strong track record in the field of the review. Original research papers comprise the majority of published contributions.Humbol... Reviews are expected take a broad approach, one that spans multiple areas of biological inquiry, and one that distinguishes itself from that taken in most regular review works by a deeper philosophical line of thought and a more global reach. Humboldt Reviews are also expected to be thoroughly respectful of the historical developments in a given field (i.e. not limit themselves to covering the literature of only the previous one to two decades) and speak to both its fundamental and applied aspects. They are named after Alexander von Humboldt (1769-1859), one of the most influential German natural philosophers of the 18th and 19th centuries. Our editors-in-chief take great inspiration from Alexander von Humboldt's profound and wide-ranging contributions. The Journal of Plant Physiology was founded in 1909 but it traces back to 1818 and to the geographic region Alexander von Humboldt was most active in. The Journal of Plant Physiology has consistently published landmark papers in plant physiology, and is one of the world's oldest international journals in the botanical sciences. For these reasons, we consider Alexander von Humboldt a particularly appropriate scholar after whom to name our prestigious review series.Early-Career Researcher Reviews: This new category is specifically aimed at early-career scientists starting their independent research careers. Suitable candidates will be nominated by senior scholars. Nomination letters should include a brief curriculum vitae and a justification for the selection. Nominees will be evaluated by the Editors-in-Chief and officially invited to submit articles. ECR Reviews should not exceed 8,000 words and contain no more than 150 references plus figures and tables.Early Career Researchers are within their first eight years of academic or other research-related employment, following completion of postgraduate research training.Founded in 1909, with roots tracing back to 1818, the Journal of Plant Physiology has consistently published landmark papers in plant physiology, and is one of the world's oldest international journals in the botanical sciences.An official journal of the Federation of European Societies of Plant Biology (FESPB)Authors are encouraged to carefully study the Aims & Scope of the journal to examine suitability of submissions. We discourage directly contacting editors about suitability of manuscripts, except in cases of proposals for Review, Opinion, or Perspectives articles, which are by invitation only. In the latter cases, well-developed proposals must be submitted for consideration.
    • European Journal of Agronomy

      • ISSN: 1161-0301
      The Official Journal of the European Society for AgronomyThe European Journal of Agronomy (EJA), the official journal of the European Society for Agronomy, publishes original research papers reporting experimental and theoretical contributions to field-based agronomy and crop science. The journal strives to provide a forum for advanced agronomic research aimed at improving global agricultural systems, shaping the future of agriculture, and supporting the transition to more sustainable and resilient farming systems.The journal will consider research at the field level for agricultural, horticultural and tree crops, that uses comprehensive and explanatory approaches. The EJA covers the following topics:Crop Physiology: Research in plant biology focusing on physiological processes, stress responses, growth mechanisms, and improvement for enhanced crop performance.Crop Production and Management: Research on optimizing crop production practices, including irrigation, fertilization, pest control, weed management, soil management, crop rotation, and the adoption of innovative technologies for sustainable agriculture.Agroclim... and Modelling/Climate-Sm... Agriculture: Studies on the relationship between climate and agriculture, including the use of models to address key agronomic challenges, and climate-smart agricultural practices and strategies.Plant-Soi... Relationships: Research on the interactions between plants and soils, focusing on soil health, nutrient cycling, and sustainable soil management practices.Crop Quality: Research focused on improving the quality of crops, considering factors such as nutritional content, postharvest handling, and the effects of agricultural practices on food quality.Farming and Cropping Systems: Studies on crop rotations, intercropping, and agroforestry, aiming to optimize agricultural productivity and sustainability through diverse and resilient cropping systems.Agroecosyste... and the Environment: Research focused on the relationships between agricultural practices and the environment, including resource efficiency, biodiversity, and ecosystem services, aims to minimize environmental impacts and promote sustainable agricultural development.Organic Farming/Regenerative Agriculture: Studies on organic farming and regenerative agricultural practices, including agroecological systems, crop rotation, and sustainable methods to promote soil fertility, pest control, and environmental sustainability.Preci... Farming/Digital Agriculture/Smart Agriculture: The use of advanced technologies, including remote sensing, GIS, crop growth modelling, machine learning (deep learning), computer vision and data-driven approaches to optimize crop management in space and time. On-farm research and integrated precision farming systems are preferred. When determining the suitability of submitted articles for publication, we place particular scrutiny on the degree of novelty and significance of the research, the robustness of methodology, and the extent to which the study adds to existing knowledge in agronomy. Key criteria for experimental studies: Experimental studies must provide sufficient detail to ensure that results can be replicated under similar conditions. Research should allow for the verification of findings in different locations, contexts, or farming systems.Field experiments need to be either multi-locational or multi-year, and typically involving at least THREE years, and should be accompanied by appropriate statistical analysis. This is essential to assess the consistency of results across seasons, locations, and environmental conditions. Two-year studies should be considered exceptionally only if they are multi-locational or truly innovative.Studies should contribute to a deeper understanding of the biological and agronomic processes involved. Research should demonstrate new insights into crop growth, environmental interactions, or agronomic practices.Studies Typically NOT Considered for Publication:Confirma... research: Studies that simply replicate previously established results without offering new insights, processes, or significant contributions to the field of agronomy.Routine agronomy trials: Research focused solely on cultivar trials or conventional agronomy practices without identifying novel biological processes or mechanisms.Modelling studies with no innovation: Studies that merely test a model for its goodness-of-fit to observed data without addressing novel or significant agronomic questions. Artificial Intelligence (AI)-related studies: Studies that focus solely on developing AI tools without presenting practical applications or agronomic implications within the study.Glasshouse or controlled-environme... studies: These are typically not accepted unless they provide exceptionally strong evidence or unique insights that cannot be obtained through field-based research.Single-loca... or short-term field studies: Experiments limited to a single location or with very short durations (e.g., less than three years) that do not provide comprehensive insights into agronomic practices.Review articles are normally written on invitation from the Editor-in-Chief. Authors intending to prepare review papers for the journal are advised to consult the Editor-in-Chief before writing their reviews. Review articles should go beyond merely summarizing the current state of the art. They must provide a critical analysis of existing knowledge, identifying gaps, unresolved questions, and research needs. A high-quality review should synthesize findings, highlight controversies, and offer insights to guide future research directions.
    • Harmful Algae

      • ISSN: 1568-9883
      This journal provides a forum to promote knowledge of harmful microalgae and macroalgae, including cyanobacteria, as well as monitoring, management and control of these organisms. Both original research and review papers will be considered.Papers dealing with the following aspects of harmful microalgae and cyanobacteria in marine and fresh waters will be considered: • The distribution, life histories and taxonomy of harmful microalgae; • The physiology and toxicology of harmful microalgae; • Harmful microalgal bloom ecology; • Trophic, socio-economic, public health and aquacultural impacts of harmful microalgal bloom events; • Occurrence, methods of detection and chemical structure of toxins in harmful microalgae, cyanobacteria, foodwebs and seafood; • Factors controlling toxin production, biosynthesis and chemical ecology.Note: Papers dealing with pharmacology fall outside of the scope of the journal.All papers will be subject to peer review. Authors will receive proofs. The editors, referees, and publisher will make every effort to expedite publication, the co-operation of authors in this task is welcomed.Cover picture by Joe Hlebica, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Multi-Media Group
    • Fish & Shellfish Immunology

      • ISSN: 1050-4648
      The official journal of the International Society of Fish and Shellfish Immunology (ISFSI)Fish and Shellfish Immunology rapidly publishes high-quality, peer-refereed contributions in the expanding fields of fish and shellfish immunology. It presents studies on the basic mechanisms of both the specific and non-specific defense systems, the cells, tissues, and humoral factors involved, their dependence on environmental and intrinsic factors, response to pathogens, response to vaccination, and applied studies on the development of specific vaccines for use in the aquaculture industry.Database coverage includes Biological Abstracts (BIOSIS); Current Contents; SciSearch and Research Alert. Science Citation Index and Focus on: Veterinary Science and Medicine.Fish and Shellfish Immunology is the companion title to the open access journal Comparative Immunology ReportsBenefits to authors We also provide many author benefits, such as free PDFs, a liberal copyright policy, special discounts on Elsevier publications and much more. Please click here for more information on our author services .Please see our Guide for Authors for information on article submission. If you require any further information or help, please visit our Support Center
    • Crop Protection

      • ISSN: 0261-2194
      The Official Journal of the International Association for the Plant Protection SciencesThe Editors of Crop Protection especially welcome papers describing an interdisciplinary approach showing how different control strategies can be integrated into practical pest management programs, covering high and low input agricultural systems worldwide. Crop Protection particularly emphasizes the practical aspects of control in the field and for protected crops, and includes work which may lead in the near future to more effective control. The journal does not duplicate the many existing excellent biological science journals, which deal mainly with the more fundamental aspects of plant pathology, applied zoology and weed science. Crop Protection covers all practical aspects of pest, disease and weed control, including the following topics:Abiotic damageAgronomic control methodsAssessment of pest and disease damageMolecular methods for the detection and assessment of pests and diseasesBiological controlBiorational pesticidesControl of animal pests of world cropsControl of diseases of crop plants caused by microorganismsContro... of weeds and integrated managementEconomic considerationsEffect... of plant growth regulatorsEnvironmen... benefits of reduced pesticide useEnvironmental effects of pesticidesEpidemiolo... of pests and diseases in relation to controlGM Crops, and genetic engineering applicationsImportan... and control of postharvest crop lossesIntegrated controlInterrelation... and compatibility among different control strategiesInvasive species as they relate to implications for crop protectionPesticide application methodsPest managementPhytobiome... for pest and disease controlResistance managementSampling and monitoring schemes for diseases, nematodes, pests and weeds.The editors of Crop Protection invite workers concerned with pest, disease and weed control to submit suitable contributions on any topic falling within the aims and scope of the journal.
    • Plant Science

      • ISSN: 0168-9452
      An international journal of experimental plant biologyThis journal has no page charges, publication is free of charge.Plant Science will publish in the minimum of time, reporting significant advances in plant biologyas well as commissioned reviews, method papers (technical papers) and commentaries recommended by its referees in all areas of experimental plant biology with emphasis in the broad areas of genomics, proteomics, biochemistry, physiology, cell biology, development, genetics, functional plant breeding, systems biology and the interaction of plants with the environment. Although manuscripts containing large data are welcomed, they must contain functional validation.Manuscrip... for full consideration should be written concisely and essentially as a final report. The main criterion for publication is that the manuscript must contain original and significant insights that lead to a better understanding of fundamental plant biology. Plant Science is not a publication vehicle for preliminary observations, for studies that are merely confirmatory of results accomplished in other plant systems, or that are addressed only to a specialized readership. Submitted manuscripts describing studies of preliminary nature, that are merely confirmatory in scope or of limited scope and interest to the general readership of the journal will be returned without formal review. As a general policy, the journal will no longer consider manuscripts just describing the cloning, sequencing and expression patterns of gene sequences that have been identified and characterized in other plant species, expression of a protein without proper characterization of the recombinant product and native form, the isolation, purification and characterization of enzymes extensively analyzed in other plants, description of molecular markers and plant genetic diversity without any relevant biological information, cell culture and/or transformation of plant species (or closely related species) already established in the literature and basic transcriptomic approaches with no further relevant functional characterization of genes of interest.
    • Forest Ecology and Management

      • ISSN: 0378-1127
      Science to Sustain the World’s ForestsForest Ecology and Management focuses on scientific articles linking forest ecology with forest management, with potential application of biological and ecological knowledge to the management and conservation of plantations and natural forests.The journal encourages communication between scientists in disparate fields who share a common interest in ecology and forest management, bridging the gap between scientists and forest managers. A peer-review process ensures the quality and international interest of the manuscripts accepted for publication. Authors are invited to benefit from editorials that provide advice for constructing strong papers.We encourage submission of papers that will be of strong interest and value to the Journal's international readership. Some key features of papers with strong interest include: 1. Clear connections between the ecology and management of forests; 2. Novel ideas or approaches to important challenges in forest ecology and management; 3. Studies that address a population of interest beyond the scale of single research sites (see the editorial, Three key points in the design of forest experiments, Forest Ecology and Management 255 (2008) 2022-2023); 4. Review Articles on timely, important topics. Authors are invited to contact one of the Editors to discuss the suitability of a potential review manuscript, which can be a regular review, an Mini review or a Tamm review (see the Guide for Authors for details about each type of review article).We invite to read the following editorial article with more advice in relation to preferred articles: How to avoid having your manuscript rejected: Perspectives from the Editors of Forest Ecology and Management, Volume 473, 1 October 2020, 118321.The Journal encourages proposals for special issues examining important areas of forest ecology and management. Potential guest editors should contact one of the Editors to initiate a discussion about topics, potential papers, and other details.
    • Perspectives in Plant Ecology, Evolution and Systematics

      • ISSN: 1433-8319
      Perspectives in Plant Ecology, Evolution and Systematics (PPEES) publishes outstanding and thought-provoking articles of general interest to an international readership in the fields of plant ecology, evolution and systematics. Of particular interest are in-depth articles that provide a broad understanding of key topics in the field. There are four issues per year.To maintain high scientific standards, manuscripts are submitted to two or more reviewers for evaluation of their scientific soundness and significance. Authors will be generally notified of acceptance, rejection, or need for revision of their manuscripts within three months.Biological flora series (monographs of model species) PPEES is particularly interested in contributions to the knowledge of species that are flagship species for conservation, invasive species of particular concern, or species that are frequently used as models in ecological research. Prospective authors should contact the editorial office of PPEES before starting to write a contribution and enquire whether their planned manuscript would be of interest to PPEES.