Plagiarism policy

Plagiarism, Data Fabrication, and Image Manipulation Policy

Plagiarism

Plagiarism includes the use of text, ideas, images, data, or other material from another source, including an author’s own previously published work, without appropriate acknowledgment and citation.

Any text reproduced directly from another source must be clearly indicated with quotation marks and accompanied by a full citation. If a manuscript’s study design, structure, wording, or interpretation has been influenced by prior published work, the relevant sources must be properly acknowledged.

Data Fabrication and Falsification

The fabrication, falsification, or selective manipulation of data, figures, or results is strictly prohibited. Authors are required to present their findings honestly, accurately, and transparently, and to ensure that all data reported in the manuscript faithfully reflect the original observations and analyses.

Image Manipulation

Images must not be altered in a way that could mislead readers or compromise the scientific integrity of the work.

Unacceptable image practices include:

• adding, removing, enhancing, obscuring, or relocating elements within an image
• combining images from different experiments or sources without clear separation and explanation
• adjusting brightness, contrast, color balance, or other image settings in a manner that conceals, exaggerates, or distorts information

Any adjustments applied to images must be minimal, applied uniformly where appropriate, and must not alter the scientific meaning of the image.

Screening and Investigation

All submitted manuscripts may be screened using plagiarism-detection software such as Turnitin. Similarity reports are assessed manually by the editorial team in accordance with accepted editorial and ethical standards, including COPE guidance where relevant.

If plagiarism, data fabrication, falsification, or inappropriate image manipulation is suspected during the review or editorial process, the manuscript may be placed on hold, returned for clarification, or rejected.

If misconduct is identified after publication, the journal may issue a correction, expression of concern, or retraction, depending on the seriousness of the case. The journal may also notify the authors’ institutions, funding bodies, or other relevant authorities when appropriate.

Editorial Action

The editorial team of Plant Science Horizons will investigate all credible concerns relating to research or publication misconduct. Where misconduct is confirmed, appropriate action will be taken to protect the integrity of the scholarly record. Such action may include rejection of the manuscript, publication of a correction or retraction, and notification of relevant institutions or authorities.

Authors submitting to Plant Science Horizons are expected to adhere to the highest standards of research integrity and ethical publishing.