Analysis of ABA and Fructan Contents during Onion (Allium cepa L.) Storage in the Search for Internal Sprouting Indicators

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

This article aims to analyze the mechanisms that trigger the internal germination of onions, starting with the fructan and abscisic acid (ABA) contents, which holds significant scientific and research value. However, there are several shortcomings to address.

1. Writing Issues: The article should include the Latin name for onions (Allium cepa) to enhance clarity and precision.

2. Limited Sample Size: The study examines only two varieties of onions, which may not adequately represent the diversity of onion varieties.

3. Insufficient Explanation of Results: While the article notes the lack of a close correlation between the changes in fructan and ABA concentrations and onion germination, it fails to engage in a deeper discussion of this phenomenon.

4. Limited Applicability of Results: The article states that fructan and ABA concentrations cannot serve as reliable markers for predicting onion germination, yet it does not propose alternative prediction methods or suggestions.

In conclusion, while this article presents valuable insights, it has notable shortcomings, and further research is essential to verify and refine the relevant conclusions.

Author Response

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Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The manuscript (Horticulturae-3128111) investigated the changes in the concentrations of fructans and abscisic acid in the bulb scales and basal plates of stored onions. The results showed that fructan and abscisic acid levels in the scales and basal plate change independently of internal sprouting and cannot be considered as predictive markers for sprouting and storability. This study provides a new insight into the factors influencing internal sprouting in onions. As there are still some shortcomings in the manuscript, a major revision is suggested.

General comments:

1. It is difficult to understand why fructan and ABA concentrations were related to internal sprouting in the title. Because the results of this study indicated that fructan and ABA concentrations were not consistently associated with the differences in internal sprouting.

2. When comparing the differences in fructan, simple sugars and ABA content between Hyfive and Exhibition in the manuscript, the authors should consider including the same material from of different cultivars in one figure when drawing the figure.

3. The fructan and abscisic acid concentrations of onions were analyzed using maleic hydrazide treatment in the Results, but there is no mentioned in the Introduction and Discussion, it should be added.

4. There are too many paragraphs in the Discussion of the manuscript. The author should integrate similar content and add conclusions at the end of the Discussion.

5. Why did the author choose to analyze both the concentration changes of fructan and ABA simultaneously in this study, instead of doing a detailed study of only one of them?

Specific comments:

1. The Latin name of the onion must be written the first it appears.

2. Line 88: Remove extra spaces.

3. Line 98: “270 g/l” should be changed to “270 g/L”.

4.  The two onion cultivars Hyfive and Exhibition should be referred to as cv. Hyfive and cv. Exhibition for the first occurrence, followed by Hyfive and Exhibition.

5. In the case of polymerization, the full name plus abbreviation has been used the first it appears, followed by the abbreviation.

6. Figures should be labeled with their significance. P should be italicized.

7. Please explain the meaning of 7-9 in line 224, and 18 in line 251.

8. Please check that the sentence “The red line in pictures B, C, and D highlights the internal sprout that is not yet present at 11 WAH in Hyfive bulbs (A)” in Figure 1 is correct? As Figure 1D should be Exhibition cultivars.

9. Reference labeling should use a consistent format throughout the discussion.

10. Discussion: The author mentions that the Sherpa is similar to the Hyfive, why is the Sherpa compared to the Exhibition?

11. Minor errors in references should be corrected, e.g. title should not be italicized, year must be in bold in line 373. Latin must be italicized in line 377. The name of the journal should be spelled in full, etc.

Author Response

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Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 3 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

Dear authors,

       Greetings!

       To research the cause of the internal early sprouting of the stored onion is meaningful, so the research is very important and necessary. The experiment design was reasonable but the data statistical analysis method wasn't comprehensive enough. The data was full. Maybe the changes of DP4-7,simple sugar profiles and ABA couldn't be used for the predication of the internal sprouting.

       Suggest to add the statistical analysis methods. The significance of the difference among the different period (namely the dynamic change) was analysed with the methods of ANOVA and DUNCAN.

        Some issues need discussing carefuly. althoug the changes of  ABA, DP4-7 and the simple sugar profiles couldn't be used for the predication of the internal sprouting, the internal early sprouting still might do something with ABA, DP4-7 and the simple sugar profiles.

Author Response

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Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Round 2

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The manuscript has been improved and it can be accepted.

Author Response

Thank you!

Reviewer 3 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

Dear authors,

     Greetings!

     I feel honored my comments can help you to modify the manuscript, and thank you for your explanation to some suggestion.

      Best wishes for you!

Author Response

Thank you!