Strawberry Crown Plugs Provide Flexibility and Improved Performance in Cold Climate Plasticulture Production
Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
It is an interesting article. However, I have some suggestions to further improve the current version.
1. Abstract: Concise abstract and add take home message at the end.
2. Introduction: flow is lost in the middle of introduction. And I suggest to Improve the hypothesis part.
3, There should be a separate section for statistical analysis, mentioning software used.
4. Discussion is weak in my opinion. I would suggest authors to discuss molecular mechanisms behind the current results.
5. Update it with recent literature.
6. Screen for typo errors, there are many.
7. conclusion section is well written, but is too long. Reduce it.
Author Response
1. Abstract: Concise abstract and add take home message at the end.
The abstract has been revised to be more concise and a concluding/take home message was added.
2. Introduction: flow is lost in the middle of introduction. And I suggest to Improve the hypothesis part.
Changes are made to the introduction to make it read more clearly and the hypothesis is more clearly stated in the text.
3, There should be a separate section for statistical analysis, mentioning software used.
My previously published paper in Agronomy required the experimental design and statistical design be combined in one section. I left these sections together but added to the section heading to be clear and clarified the analysis procedure and software used.
4. Discussion is weak in my opinion. I would suggest authors to discuss molecular mechanisms behind the current results.
The mechanism behind the improved performance is likely due to plant growth and development factors associated with better water and fertilizer management in plug production compared to open field establishment. The additional reduction in plant stress due to transplant shock experienced by bare-root plants and exposure to soil disease organism during this stress event likely contributes to reduced plant health and productivity. This concept has been added to the discussion section.
5. Update it with recent literature.
The author feels the literature cited is adequate for the manuscript. Search of the literature did not identify new research in this area as the system is widely adopted for commercial production in many regions of the world.
6. Screen for typo errors, there are many.
The manuscript has been edited for typos and mismatched words.
7. Conclusion section is well written, but is too long. Reduce it.
The conclusion has been clarified and reduced.
Reviewer 2 Report
The manuscript entitled ”Strawberry Crown Plugs Provide Flexibility and Improved Performance in Cold Climate Plasticulture Production” presents the use of a new type of planting stock for summer planting of six short-day strawberry varieties - Chandler, Clancy, Jewel, Ovation, Seneca and Ventana. The manuscript is clearly structured, very well written and has a significance for the strawberry production.
Author Response
No revisions suggested.
