Macroscopic and Microscopic Anatomical Characteristics of Six Korean Oak Species

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The manuscript entitled "Macroscopic and Microscopic Anatomical Characteristics of Six Korean Oak Species" is a descriptive study of the macroscopic and microscopic anatomy of six Quercus species from Korea, which are significantly represented in the Korean forest. We believe the work is of sufficient quality for publication with minor modifications, particularly in clarifying some aspects mentioned later. The paper includes an appropriate literature review, referencing relevant works in this knowledge area. It follows recommended methodologies for macroscopic and microscopic anatomical description, such as the use of the CIELab system to calculate color parameters and the International Association of Wood Anatomists (IAWA) list of microscopic features for hardwood identification. High-quality photographs enhance the clarity of the described characteristics throughout the text, typical for this type of work. The results and discussion are well-structured, providing context with other studies on the same topics. The conclusions are concise, objective, and consistent with the work undertaken and the initially established objectives.

 

However, we have identified some aspects that we believe could be improved, as indicated below:

 

1. The caption for all tables should specify that the presented values are averages, as they result from the evaluation of three trees per species.

 

2. Table 1 - Throughout the manuscript, different species are identified with letters A to F, while in Table 1, they are identified with numbers 1 to 6. We suggest standardizing the identification method, perhaps by using the same labeling in Table 1 as in the rest of the text (from A to F).

 

3. Line 86 - There is no reference to the methodology used for quantifying the percentage of latewood. We suggest providing an explanation, possibly with a photograph illustrating the demarcation of latewood and earlywood.

 

4. Line 221 - One critical factor affecting the heartwood-to-sapwood ratio is the age of the trees. We contend that this aspect requires more thorough discussion in the presented results, as the impact of age on the lower percentage of heartwood in Quercus acutissima and the higher percentage in Q. serrata may not be sufficiently elucidated.

 

5. Line 264 - Once again, the effect of age is influencing the results, and this is not mentioned in the analysis. Given that the radial growth ring width decreases with age, it is normal for the average width of growth rings in younger trees to be greater than in those with more growth rings. To compare this characteristic among different species, it would be advisable to do so with trees having the same number of growth rings.

 

We consider the presented study to hold practical significance for the identification and differentiation of the six studied Quercus species.

Author Response

Dear Reviewer,

Thank you for your meticulous review and insightful suggestions to enhance the manuscript. We have diligently incorporated your feedback, and the revised content is highlighted for your convenience. The revised documents are attached for your perusal.

Best regards,

Alvin Muhammad Savero

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

Dear Authors

It is a very carefully prepared and interesting manuscript expanding the knowledge of the anatomy of six species of oak wood from Korea, in my opinion. I present my suggestions for additions and corrections in a synthetic way.  

Substantive comments:

The current moisture content determines the properties of wood and bark, including their color. The article did not provide this important information: What was the moisture content of the bark and, above all, the moisture content of the wood tested with a colorimeter? This should be completed.

 Microscopic and macroscopic identification of wood is based on the analysis of anatomical features (patterns) in ​​three anatomical sections. In the case of macroscopic analysis, only the cross-section was focused on. Please consider supplementing the article with macroscopic images of oak wood on radial and tangential sections, along with a description of visible differences in the wood pattern.  

A visual comparison of the images of oak wood in Fig. 6 allows for the detection of differences in the diameters of vessels of early wood of individual species. It is worth measuring these values ​​(vessel diameters in radial and tangential directions) and supplementing the description in the analysis of the results.  

The description regarding tangential sections (Fig.8) should be supplemented with statistics regarding the size of small and large rays. How many parenchyma cells are there at the height and width of the rays? There will probably be significant differences between some oak species.  

Editing minor corrections:

Introduction Lines 48-49 and/or Table 1
Many wood species that are less known on a global scale still have many equivalent Latin names in literature. The Latin names of the studied oak wood species should be given in full at least once in the article: e.g. Quercus mongolica Fisch. ex Ledeb.

Methods
Lines 80
Information about wood moisture content should be added.

Microscopic Characteristics
Figures 6. 7 and 8 Information should be added that these are images from the heartwood zone (or sapwood zone?).

Yours sincerely
Reviewer

 

Author Response

Dear Reviewer,

Thank you for your meticulous review and insightful suggestions to enhance the manuscript. We have diligently incorporated your feedback, and the revised content is highlighted for your convenience. The revised documents are attached for your perusal.

Best regards,

Alvin Muhammad Savero

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 3 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The manuscript submitted for review concerns Macroscopic and microscopic anatomical characteristics of six Korean Oak species. Generally, the manuscript is written correctly. It is clear that the authors planned and carried out the research well. The presentation and analysis of the results is also correct. I only have minor comments on the manuscript. 1) Read the text carefully and correct the fragments where the full name Quercus is given along with the abbreviation Q. There is no need to repeat Quercus. 2) Fig. 5 in its current form is not very readable 3) I suggest moving Fig. 2, 6-8 to Supplementary materials, and posting much enlarged photos there - so that the details are visible.

1. What is the main question addressed by the research?
The main question addressed by the research is:
what are the macroscopic and microscopic anatomical characteristics of six Korean Oak species. How do they differ from each other and what are the similar parts?

2. Do you consider the topic original or relevant in the field? Does it  address a specific gap in the field?
Yes, learning morphological and anatomical features is very important from the point of view of forestry - both to increase general knowledge and proatic knowledge. The available literature lacks information about the species presented. Additionally, this type of research is quite difficult to perform due to the need to prepare and analyze microscopic preparations.

3. What does it add to the subject area compared with other published material?
Learning morphological and anatomical features is very important from the point of view of forestry - both to increase general knowledge and proatic knowledge. The available literature lacks information about the species presented

4. What specific improvements should the authors consider regarding the  methodology? What further controls should be considered?
Authors should check the linguistic correctness of this section.

5. Are the conclusions consistent with the evidence and arguments presented and do they address the main question posed?
Yes

6. Are the references appropriate?
Yes

7. Please include any additional comments on the tables and figures.
In their current form, Figs. 2, 6-8 are small and it is difficult to analyze details that are important for comparisons and microscopic characterization of individual species. I also propose that larger and more readable photographs be placed in Supplementary materials. This will improve the readability of the photographs and increase the substantive value of the manuscript.

 

Comments on the Quality of English Language

The manuscript requires careful reading and minor linguistic corrections.

Author Response

Dear Reviewer,

Thank you for your meticulous review and insightful suggestions to enhance the manuscript. We have diligently incorporated your feedback, and the revised content is highlighted for your convenience. The revised documents are attached for your perusal.

Best regards,

Alvin Muhammad Savero

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf