Liming and Plastering Modify Root Anatomy in Pennisetum purpureum Schum
, Fernanda de Fátima da Silva Devechio 3 and João Paulo Rodrigues Marques 4,*
Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
This manuscript has presented the effects of liming and plastering on the roots of elephant grass. The data showed that liming increased the number of vessel elements and the diameter of the vascular cylinder. The work is good, conducted very well. English language can be improved to provide good understanding of author's work to the readers.
Legends donot indicate clearly the results/observations. Rather it is just mentioned as a technique (for ex. Sections of elephant grass roots under ultraviolet light). I feel more result oriented legends are better. Results section also has some discussion; authors should restrict the results section, and then include discussion in the section allocated to discussion.
This manuscript has presented the effects of liming and plastering on the roots of elephant grass. The data showed that liming increased the number of vessel elements and the diameter of the vascular cylinder. The work is good, conducted very well. English language can be improved to provide good understanding of author's work to the readers.
Legends donot indicate clearly the results/observations. Rather it is just mentioned as a technique (for ex. Sections of elephant grass roots under ultraviolet light). I feel more result oriented legends are better. Results section also has some discussion; authors should restrict the results section, and then include discussion in the section allocated to discussion.
Author Response
General comments
The authors thank the Reviewer and the Editor for evaluating our manuscript. We had an excellent opportunity to improve the quality of the manuscript by critically reviewing the main text and figure legends. Below you will find our point-by-point comments on the suggestions and criticisms made by the reviewers.
Also the Manuscript was review by an English native speaker (attached File).
Reviewer 1:
Task:1) Legends do not indicate clearly the results/observations. Rather it is just mentioned as a technique (for ex. Sections of elephant grass roots under ultraviolet light). I feel more result oriented legends are better.
Action: We would like to thank the reviewer for point this aspect. We did Accepted and modified all legends in order to improve it.
Task:2) Results section also has some discussion; authors should restrict the results section, and then include discussion in the section allocated to discussion.
Action: Accepted. We have removed the discussion from the results.
Author Response File: 
Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 2 Report
The authors of the manuscript studied the interesting topic of limestone and gypsum application and its impact on the anatomy of the roots of Pennisetum purpureum. The authors performed the necessary tests and compared the results with microscopic photos. In my opinion, there is a lack of more detailed content of the Introduction supported by research on the impact of limestone and gypsum on the growth of plants, their roots and soil properties after their application. In my opinion, "References" is poor.
Introduction
Line 60-69: Why is the influence of copper described here? Although there are many other factors that disturb the uptake of minerals by plants and affect the development and growth of roots.
Materials and Methods
Line 95: Under what conditions did the grass grow in the greenhouse: temperature, irrigation, light, soil and air humidity?
Line 120 and 122: Full characteristics of the lime and gypsum used are required.
Discussion
Line 228-232: Why is the effect of Cd described here when there are many other factors?
Author Response
General comments
The authors thank the Reviewer and the Editor for evaluating our manuscript. We had an excellent opportunity to improve the quality of the manuscript by critically reviewing the main text and figure legends.Below you will find our point-by-point comments on the suggestions and criticisms made by the reviewers.
Als, the Manuscript was review by an English native speaker (attached file).
Reviewer 2:
Task:1) The authors of the manuscript studied the interesting topic of limestone and gypsum application and its impact on the anatomy of the roots of Pennisetum purpureum. The authors performed the necessary tests and compared the results with microscopic photos. In my opinion, there is a lack of more detailed content of the Introduction supported by research on the impact of limestone and gypsum on the growth of plants, their roots and soil properties after their application. In my opinion, "References" is poor.
Action: We would like to thank review 2. Based on his/her comment we did improve the references of the manuscript.
Task:2) Line 60-69: Why is the influence of copper described here? Although there are many other factors that disturb the uptake of minerals by plants and affect the development and growth of roots.
Action: We just mentioned one example. The influence of copper
Task:3) Line 95: Under what conditions did the grass grow in the greenhouse: temperature, irrigation, light, soil and air humidity?
Action: Accepted and modified.
Task:4)Line 120 and 122: Full characteristics of the lime and gypsum used are required.
Action: Accepted and modified
Task:5) Line 228-232: Why is the effect of Cd described here when there are many other factors?
Action: We have included more factors and references.
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Round 2
Reviewer 2 Report
The authors of the manuscript improved the text and added necessary information as indicated in the review. The manuscript meets the requirements and can be accepted for publication.
The authors have improved the omissions and inaccuracies indicated in the detailed comments
