Effective Methods for Adventitious Root Regeneration on Weeping Fig Stems
Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
I have read the manuscript „Effective methods for adventitious roots generation on Ficus benjamina stems before transplant” prepared by Nelson Li and Yu-Sen Chang for publication in Forests MDPI.
Although generally the experiments were good performed and the results have scientific value and importance, in my opinion the description of the applied methodology, results, discussion and conclusions need major revision. In the present form the manuscript is unsuitable for publication.
I am sending the pdf file with the manuscript, in which all my detailed comments and suggestions are written. The Authors should obligatory follow them to improve the manuscript.
My bigest dilemma - The Authors did not test the influence of tested factors on the further transplant success and did not test in fact different size of root ball reduction on the transplant success. Authors can only hypothetize (predict), not assume or claim, that their results concerning adventitious roots regeneration can be implemented for transplantation of bigger trees. The Authors tested young tree samples, not bigger or older, well developed trees for transpaltation. Moreover the tested samples were not transplanted, so the Authors do not know, how the regenerated roots could really fortify plants during transplantation and acclimatization to new place. For this reasons the proposed manuscript should be rewritten.
Comments for author File: 
Comments.pdf
Author Response
Please see attachment
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 2 Report
In the article, the authors present a method for improving AR formation from the stems in Ficus trees. In doing so, the authors used different combinations of natural and synthetic auxins and cutting methods to study several parameters regarding rooting. The article is very well written, results are clearly presented, described, and discussed.
I suggest to improve discussion regarding the applicability of this method with older trees.
Parts of the text need clarification regarding auxin and its signaling, please consider following sugestions
"ROS and auxin interact with each other in the biosynthesis/signaling pathways of needed for ARs formation"
"Auxin supports the release of energy and mobilizes proteins to differentiate and develop new cells [35]". Auxin also mobilizes carbohydrates in shoots and translocates photosynthates, including sugar, to accumulate at the wound causing root primordia to develop [36]".
This is not correct. Auxin itself initiate a signaling cascade which permits/modulate/regulate different processes. Auxin as a molecules does not support processes. Please, rephrase
Author Response
Please see the attachment
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Round 2
Reviewer 1 Report
The Authors improved the manuscript significantly.
I have only some minor suggestions:
- use the full Latin name with author initials (Ficus benjamina L.), when the species is mentioned for the first time in the manuscript,
- use 'regeneration' instead of 'generation' in the whole manuscript,
- manuscript revision brought the need of extensive editing of English language before publication.
Author Response
Reviewer comment and reply:
- use the full Latin name with author initials (Ficus benjamina L.), when the species is mentioned for the first time in the manuscript, Answer: Revised accordingly
- use 'regeneration' instead of 'generation' in the whole manuscript, Answer: Revised accordingly
- manuscript revision brought the need of extensive editing of English language before publication. Answer: Revised under the suggestion of Grammarly Spell-check premium.
