Development and Evaluation of a Trichoderma-Based Bioformulation for Enhancing Sustainable Potato Cultivation

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The Manuscript entitled “New Trichoderma Based Bio-formulate Tailored for Application in Sustainable Potato Cultivation” examines the effects of a mixture of two new Trichoderma strains on the quality and quantity of potato production. The idea of the Manuscript is good, and the thematic is up to date. Experimental setup is well conceptualised. Results are presented in a clear way. Overall, I recommend minor revision. I recommend the authors to consider the suggestions provided below in order to improve the quality of the Manuscript:

1. Add the most significant results (some numerical data) in the Abstract section regarding the field experiment.

2. Line 64: Add some of the most significant antibiotics that Trichoderma species most commonly produce.

3. Are there any commercially available BCA which are being used in potato production?

4. I suggest moving the 2.1. Experimental filed after 2.2.5. Bioformulation of Trichoderma isolates. In this way the flow of the methods would be easier to follow.

5. Line 233: Have you deposited the sequences in the NCBI? If not, they should be deposited, and accession numbers should be provided. Also, I suggest constructing the Neighbour joining tree and adding it is another Figure.

6. Line 283: I recommend adding standard deviation values together with presented data.

7. Figure 5 and the belonging text should be moved to the Results section.

8. Overall, I suggest that authors describe the results of the field experiment in more detail. Although this is the most significant part of this research, the representation of the results seems poor.  

 

 

Author Response

Please see the attachment

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The manuscript horticulturae-3043413, titled “New Trichoderma Based Bio-formulate Tailored for Application in Sustainable Potato Cultivation”, addresses an important paper showing the impact of a new bioformulation based on two Trichoderma strains on potato cultivation, which offer an alternative to pesticides and enhance potato production by mitigating biotic and abiotic stresses. However, in my opinion this paper must be revised in a major manner for reasons of forms and content. 

Title:

Consider rephrasing the title. For example: "Development and evaluation of a trichoderma-based bioformulation for enhancing sustainable potato cultivation."

Abstract:

Clearly state the objective, methodology, key results, and conclusions.

For example: "This study evaluates the effects of a new bioformulation containing two Trichoderma strains on potato (Solanum tuberosum) growth and yield. Trichoderma strains were characterized morphologically and molecularly. Field trials demonstrated significant increases in plant biomass and tuber yield. These findings suggest the bioformulation as a viable alternative to reduce pesticide use and mitigate biotic and abiotic stress in potato cultivation."

Introduction:

Provide a more structured background on the challenges of potato cultivation, specifically related to climate change and intensive farming practices.

Enhance the justification for using Trichoderma with more detailed evidence from previous studies.

Materials and Methods:

Include more detailed information on the experimental design, such as the statistical methods used for data analysis and the specific conditions of the field trials (e.g., soil type, weather conditions).

I recommend adding a separate subtitle “Statistical analysis” and mentioning which level used to analyse results (.g. Level 5%)

Results:

Include more detailed statistical analysis, such as p-values and confidence intervals.

I think figures should be revised (e.g. using graduation in Y axe).

Discussion :

Expand the discussion to compare the findings with previous studies in more detail.

Address potential limitations of the study and suggest directions for future research.

Highlight the practical implications of the findings for sustainable agriculture.

Conclusion:

 

Reinforce the potential applications and benefits of the Trichoderma-based bioformulation in sustainable agriculture.

Comments on the Quality of English Language

Improve the overall readability by breaking down long sentences and paragraphs.

 

Avoid redundant phrases and ensure that the terminology is consistent.

Author Response

Please see the attachment

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Round 2

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

I am writing to follow up on my review of manuscript horticulturae-3043413, entitled : New Trichoderma Based Bio-formulate Tailored for Application in Sustainable Potato Cultivation ". I'm pleased to inform you that the authors have addressed all my comments thoughtfully and respectfully.

Their revisions demonstrate a clear understanding of the points I raised, and the changes they have made significantly improve the quality of the manuscript. I believe the paper is now much stronger and ready for further consideration.