Phenotypic Identification of Landraces of Phaseolus lunatus L. from the Northeastern Region of Brazil Using Morpho-Colorimetric Analysis of Seeds
, Marco Sarigu 2,*, Andrea Lallai 2, Josefa Patrícia Balduino Nicolau 3, Clarisse Pereira Benedito 1, Gianluigi Bacchetta 2 and Salvador Barros Torres 1Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThe manuscript presents the morpho-colorimetric characterization of Phaseolus lunatus varieties, using digital imaging techniques and statistical analysis of phenetic similarity. The results indicate a high correlation between the varieties analyzed and their positive identification.
The work is written clearly and fluently in the description of the methods, results and conclusions.
My main concern about the manuscript is the scope that its application may have. In my opinion, the method used is adequate for the identification of varieties based on their morphology and color, however, no correlation is established with genetic variability or additional phenotypic characteristics of the seeds.
I suggest that the work be presented as a seed identification tool and that the mentions of possible applications of the analysis of genetic variability or in genetic improvement programs be eliminated (Page 2, lines 50-56) and (Page 7, lines 202-204).
Author Response
Reviewer 1
The manuscript presents the morpho-colorimetric characterization of Phaseolus lunatus varieties, using digital imaging techniques and statistical analysis of phenetic similarity. The results indicate a high correlation between the varieties analyzed and their positive identification.
The work is written clearly and fluently in the description of the methods, results and conclusions.
My main concern about the manuscript is the scope that its application may have. In my opinion, the method used is adequate for the identification of varieties based on their morphology and color, however, no correlation is established with genetic variability or additional phenotypic characteristics of the seeds.
I suggest that the work be presented as a seed identification tool and that the mentions of possible applications of the analysis of genetic variability or in genetic improvement programs be eliminated (Page 2, lines 50-56) and (Page 7, lines 202-204).
ANSWER: Dear reviewer, thank you for your very helpful comments. We have removed the parts you suggested in the text. We have also updated the references.
Author Response File: 
Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 2 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsGeneral Comments:
The study focuses on the morphological analysis of 18 varieties of Phaseolus lunatus L., a landrace bean cultivated in Northeast Brazil. The authors utilized seed images acquired through a flatbed scanner and processed them using ImageJ software to analyze seed size, shape, and color characteristics. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software, and a morphocolorimetric classification system was used to discriminate the varieties.
Overall, the study provides valuable insights into the diversity and characteristics of P. lunatus varieties in the Northeast region of Brazil. The use of seed image analysis as a tool for characterization is commendable, as it allows for objective and quantitative assessment of morphological traits. The high overall accuracy rate for correct identification (80.5%) indicates the effectiveness of the classification system employed.
Other comments are as follows: 1) It is preferable to add a scientific question or hypothesis in the last paragraph; 2) The position of the figure caption is incorrect, it should be placed below the figure; 3) There are too many paragraphs in the discussion section, they need to be merged and divided into 4-5 paragraphs based on the content of the discussion; 4) The conclusion section should be combined into one paragraph; 5) It would be interesting to explore the potential correlation between seed color patterns and other morphological traits, such as size and shape.
Comments on the Quality of English LanguageMinor editing of English language required.
Author Response
Reviewer 2
The study focuses on the morphological analysis of 18 varieties of Phaseolus lunatus L., a landrace bean cultivated in Northeast Brazil. The authors utilized seed images acquired through a flatbed scanner and processed them using ImageJ software to analyze seed size, shape, and color characteristics. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software, and a morphocolorimetric classification system was used to discriminate the varieties.
Overall, the study provides valuable insights into the diversity and characteristics of P. lunatus varieties in the Northeast region of Brazil. The use of seed image analysis as a tool for characterization is commendable, as it allows for objective and quantitative assessment of morphological traits. The high overall accuracy rate for correct identification (80.5%) indicates the effectiveness of the classification system employed.
Other comments are as follows:
- It is preferable to add a scientific question or hypothesis in the last paragraph;
ANSWER: this section was modified.
- The position of the figure caption is incorrect, it should be placed below the figure;
ANSWER: we modified the position of all the figure.
- There are too many paragraphs in the discussion section, they need to be merged and divided into 4-5 paragraphs based on the content of the discussion;
ANSWER: as you suggested, to have a more fluent speech we have reduced the number of paragraphs
- The conclusion section should be combined into one paragraph;
ANSWER: the conclusion section is now of one paragraph.
- It would be interesting to explore the potential correlation between seed color patterns and other morphological traits, such as size and shape.
ANSWER: Thanks for the suggestion. This is something we are already working on and studies are already underway
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 3 Report
Comments and Suggestions for Authors1. When the genus name (Phaseolus) is repeated, it is written as an abbreviation.
2. Line 65: There is a result of studying the same plant in a previous study. If so, what is the difference from this study?
3. Does the 'varieties' indicated in this study mean 'cultivars' developed through breeding?
4. In this study, were there any differences in other indicators such as germination rate or germination speed other than the morphological characteristics of the seeds?
5. Line 232: Lunatus --> lunatus
Author Response
Reviewer 3
- When the genus name (Phaseolus) is repeated, it is written as an abbreviation.
ANSWER: we checked and modified in all the text.
- Line 65: There is a result of studying the same plant in a previous study. If so, what is the difference from this study?
ANSWER: There are some differences regarding the methodology applied. In the study by Castro et al. only 10 varieties are considered while we used 18 and this allowed us to have more accurate results. Furthermore, the methodology used in the morphometric analysis is also different, considering that using the protocol proposed by Loddo et al. 2022 we are able to obtain 59 morphometric and colorimetric features on which we applied the statistical analysis.
- Does the 'varieties' indicated in this study mean 'cultivars' developed through breeding?
ANSWER: No, the varieties used in this study come from producers who belong to local and non-commercial communities that maintain rural seed banks.
- In this study, were there any differences in other indicators such as germination rate or germination speed other than the morphological characteristics of the seeds?
ANSWER: Germination rate and germination speed were not investigated in this study. We only focused on the morphological characteristics of the seeds.
- Line 232: Lunatus --> lunatus
ANSWER: we modified.
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Round 2
Reviewer 1 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThe authors addressed the suggested changes
