About the Journal
Plant Science is an international, peer-reviewed open access journal published by MDPI that covers all areas of plant science, from molecular biology and physiology to ecology and evolution. Established with a commitment to disseminate high-quality research rapidly, the journal provides a forum for scientists to share their discoveries with the global scientific community.
As an open access publication, all articles in Plant Science are freely available to readers worldwide without subscription barriers. This approach ensures that important research findings reach the widest possible audience, including researchers, educators, students, and policymakers across the globe.
The journal operates under a rigorous peer-review process that maintains scientific integrity while minimizing publication delays. With an average time to first decision of 15-20 days and acceptance to publication within 3-6 days, Plant Science is among the more efficient venues for publishing plant science research.
Aims and Scope
Plant Science welcomes original research articles, review articles, and short communications that advance our understanding of plants. The journal covers a wide range of topics including:
- Plant Molecular Biology: Gene regulation, signaling pathways, genome editing, and functional genomics
- Plant Physiology and Biochemistry: Metabolism, photosynthesis, nutrient uptake, hormonal regulation
- Plant Development: Morphogenesis, organogenesis, cell differentiation, and tissue culture
- Plant-Environment Interactions: Responses to abiotic and biotic stresses, climate change adaptation
- Plant Biotechnology: Genetic improvement, transgenic approaches, and synthetic biology applications
- Plant Ecology and Evolution: Population dynamics, community structure, phylogenetics, and speciation
- Plant Pathology: Disease mechanisms, resistance breeding, and plant-microbe interactions
- Plant Systematics: Taxonomy, classification, and biodiversity assessments
- Sustainable Agriculture: Crop improvement, sustainable farming practices, and food security
Editorial Board
Plant Science is guided by a distinguished Editorial Board comprising internationally recognized experts across various fields of plant science. Led by Editor-in-Chief Professor Dr. Cristina Cruz, who brings over 20 years of experience in plant molecular physiology, the board ensures rigorous scientific standards while fostering innovative research.
Our Section Editors oversee specific thematic areas within plant science, bringing specialized expertise to the peer review process. The Associate Editors and Reviewers are selected based on their academic credentials, publication record, and expertise in relevant subfields.
The Editorial Board operates with transparency and commitment to ethical publishing practices, following the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) guidelines. All members of the board disclose potential conflicts of interest and are committed to maintaining the integrity of the scientific record.
Publication Process
Plant Science streamlines the publication process to bring quality research to the scientific community quickly. The typical workflow includes:
- Submission: Authors submit manuscripts through the online submission system with all required documentation
- Initial Check: Editorial staff verify that submissions meet journal requirements and formatting guidelines
- Editor Assignment: An appropriate Academic Editor is assigned based on expertise and availability
- Peer Review: At least two independent experts provide detailed evaluations of the manuscript
- Decision: The Academic Editor makes a decision based on reviewer reports and their own assessment
- Revision: If required, authors have the opportunity to address reviewer comments
- Acceptance & Production: Accepted manuscripts undergo copyediting and formatting
- Publication: Articles are published online and made immediately available worldwide
Throughout this process, authors have access to a dedicated submission system to track the progress of their manuscript and communicate with the editorial team.
Benefits of Publishing in Plant Science
Open Access
Immediate and permanent access to your research for readers worldwide, maximizing its impact and visibility. No subscription barriers limit who can read, download, or cite your work.
Rapid Publication
Our streamlined process ensures timely dissemination of your findings. First decisions typically within 15-20 days, and publication 3-6 days after acceptance.
High Visibility
Plant Science is indexed in leading databases including Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed Central, and Emerging Sources Citation Index, ensuring your work reaches the relevant scientific community.
Rigorous Evaluation
Your manuscript receives thorough evaluation by subject experts, providing constructive feedback that enhances the quality and clarity of your research.
Creative Commons Licensing
Authors retain copyright and can choose from various Creative Commons licenses, determining how others can use and distribute their work.
Global Reach
As an international journal, Plant Science connects your research with a global network of plant scientists across institutions and disciplines.
15-20
Days to First Decision
3-6
Days to Publication After Acceptance
3.1
Impact Factor (2022)
4.0
Review Time (weeks)
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is the Article Processing Charge (APC)? | The APC for Plant Science is $2,200. This fee covers the costs of the publication process, including peer review, copyediting, production, hosting, and archiving. |
| Are there discounts or waivers available? | Yes, MDPI offers a 50% discount to authors from low-income countries as defined by the World Bank. There are also discounts for papers submitted to special issues and for reviewers who provide timely reviews. |
| Can I suggest reviewers for my manuscript? | Yes, authors are encouraged to suggest potential reviewers during submission. However, final selection of reviewers remains at the discretion of the editorial team to ensure appropriate expertise and ethical standards. |
| What open access license options are available? | Plant Science authors can choose between CC BY (recommended for maximum dissemination), CC BY-SA, CC BY-NC, and CC BY-NC-SA licenses. Each option defines how others may use and adapt your work. |
| Can I publish supplementary materials with my article? | Absolutely. Plant Science welcomes supplementary materials such as additional figures, tables, datasets, and multimedia content. These will be published alongside your article and fully citable. |
| What is the peer-review process? | We employ a single-blind peer-review process where reviewers remain anonymous to authors. At least two independent reviewers evaluate each manuscript, providing recommendations to the handling editor. |
| Is Plant Science indexed in major databases? | Yes. Plant Science is indexed in Scopus, Web of Science (Emerging Sources Citation Index), PubMed Central, DOAJ, and other leading scientific databases. |
| Can I withdraw my manuscript after submission but before review? | Authors may request withdrawal before the peer-review process begins. Once review comments have been received, withdrawal is only permitted for exceptional circumstances such as fundamental errors in the manuscript. |
