About the Journal

About the Journal

Overview

Plant Science Horizons is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal dedicated to publishing high-quality research across all areas of plant science. The journal provides a platform for the dissemination of innovative, scientifically rigorous studies that advance both fundamental understanding and applied solutions in plant biology, agriculture, and environmental sustainability.

The journal is committed to promoting global scientific exchange by ensuring that all published content is freely accessible to researchers, academics, practitioners, and policymakers worldwide.

Aims and Scope

Plant Science Horizons aims to advance knowledge in plant science by publishing research that addresses key challenges such as food security, climate change, crop improvement, and sustainable agricultural practices.

The journal welcomes contributions in areas including, but not limited to:

  • plant physiology and development
  • molecular biology, genetics, and genomics
  • plant biotechnology and genome editing
  • plant–microbe interactions
  • plant pathology and plant health
  • abiotic and biotic stress biology
  • crop science and agronomy
  • soil–plant interactions
  • plant ecology and environmental biology
  • plant hormones and signaling
  • sustainable agriculture and food systems

The journal particularly encourages interdisciplinary research that bridges fundamental science with real-world applications.

Publication Model

Plant Science Horizons follows a fully open access publishing model, ensuring that all articles are freely available online immediately upon publication without subscription or access fees.

All articles are published under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) license, allowing users to read, download, and share content with proper attribution.

Article Processing Charges (APC)

The journal currently operates under a no-fee publication policy.

  • No Article Processing Charges (APCs) are required until December 31, 2029.
  • Authors are not charged for submission, peer review, editing, or publication.

This policy reflects the journal’s commitment to equitable and inclusive scientific publishing, removing financial barriers for researchers worldwide.

Peer Review Process

All submissions undergo a rigorous double-blind peer review process, ensuring fairness, objectivity, and scientific integrity.

  • manuscripts are initially screened by the editorial team
  • suitable submissions are reviewed by at least two independent experts
  • authors and reviewers remain anonymous
  • decisions are based solely on scientific merit

The journal maintains high standards of review quality, transparency, and ethical evaluation.

Publication Frequency

The journal publishes two issues per year (semiannual):

  • Issue 1: June
  • Issue 2: December

Accepted articles may be published online in Early Access format prior to issue assignment to ensure rapid dissemination.

Editorial Standards and Ethics

Plant Science Horizons adheres to internationally recognized standards of publication ethics and best practices in scholarly publishing.

The journal is committed to:

  • maintaining academic integrity and transparency
  • preventing plagiarism, data fabrication, and misconduct
  • ensuring fair and unbiased editorial decisions
  • protecting confidentiality in peer review
  • correcting the scholarly record when necessary

All submissions are screened for originality, and ethical concerns are handled in accordance with established guidelines.

Indexing and Visibility

The journal is committed to enhancing the visibility and discoverability of published research by pursuing inclusion in recognized indexing and abstracting services.

Efforts are made to ensure:

  • high-quality metadata
  • DOI assignment for all articles
  • long-term digital archiving
  • compliance with international indexing standards

The journal aims to expand its presence in reputable academic databases as it develops.

Archiving and Preservation

All published articles are preserved through recognized digital archiving systems to ensure long-term accessibility and availability. The journal utilizes secure preservation mechanisms to protect the scholarly record.

Copyright and Licensing

Authors retain copyright of their work and grant the journal a non-exclusive license to publish and distribute their articles.

All content is published under a Creative Commons license, allowing free access and responsible sharing while protecting author rights.

Audience

Plant Science Horizons serves a broad international audience, including:

  • plant scientists and biologists
  • agronomists and agricultural researchers
  • environmental scientists
  • academic institutions and students
  • professionals in biotechnology and related fields

Commitment to Scientific Excellence

The journal is dedicated to publishing research that is:

  • scientifically rigorous
  • ethically conducted
  • globally relevant
  • impactful and innovative

By fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange, Plant Science Horizons aims to contribute to the advancement of plant science and the development of sustainable solutions for global challenges.

Final Statement

Plant Science Horizons strives to be a trusted and respected platform for scientific communication. Through open access, rigorous peer review, and strong ethical standards, the journal is committed to supporting researchers worldwide and advancing the frontiers of plant science.