Optimizing Seed Germination and Seedling Growth in Different Kiwifruit Genotypes
Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
Part of the Discussion section should be better integrated in the Introduction chapter. No explanation regarding the light experiment and the influence in germination. In the conclusion section is better to mention the best formula for the stratification treatment along with the recommended treatment.
Author Response
diversity and sustainability into the future. Overall the manuscript was well researched and presented but I do not think it qualifies as a full research article but more as a research or technical note. There are limited results and discussion because of the nature of the study.
Unfortunately, we disagree with the reviewer on this matter. The study is an original full research article. Because it has been studied on a large population of Actinidia with different ploidy levels. Two different experiments were conducted with these genotypes. In the first experiment, different parameters of the genotypes were examined at 3 different times and their germination status was determined.
In the second experiment, the development of 4 different growing substrates with germinated seeds was determined by examining different parameters. Briefly, this study is an original full research article, as many parameters have been extensively studied. In addition, the results were discussed more comprehensively by making additions to the discussion part of the article.
- Please see specific comments. Introduction: Relatively short. Could be discussed further in terms of the gaps in knowledge and why this particular study is needed.
In accordance with the referee's suggestions, the Introduction section was expanded by making additions. The reason for the study was explained by adding 3 additional literatures and 1 paragraph (line 54-61).
-Materials and Methods: Well written overall, line 68 : Error? Please correct.
While converting the word file to pdf it gave an error. It is corrected
- Results: Clear and appropriate.
Discussion: Results seem to be included in the discussion. I suggest moving to the results section and possibly presenting the figures as tables to show the Two-way ANOVA. The figures are very confusing with the letters of significance - doesn't really make sense. I suggest relooking at the analysis.
The results were moved from the discussion. The figures were removed and changed to tables. Changes were identified as track changes as red colour.
- Also, need to highlight how this study was different from previous studies and how this has added to our knowledge in this area. Currently not clear.
While the germination and development of a very limited number of genotypes or populations were investigated in previous studies, in this study the germination and subsequent development of a larger number of Actinidia hybrid genotypes with different ploidy levels were investigated. The results of current study showed that the chilling requirement for breaking dormancy and achieving the maximum seed germination and seedling uniformity are significantly dependence to kiwifruit genotypes and ploidy level. We found that the combination of low temperature, light treatment could improve seed germination and seedlings growth and uniformity. The best growing medium for early growth of kiwifruit seedlings was peat and perlite with 1:1 ratio.
-English throughout the manuscript needs improvement.
The article was read and edited by Dr. A. Ross Ferguson, who has been working on kiwi breeding and kiwi research for many years. Therefore, we do not agree with the comment that there is a problem with the English language of the manuscript. However, after the article was revised in line with the referee's recommendations, it was again reviewed by a native English speaker and language corrections were made.
Author Response File: 
Author Response.docx
Reviewer 2 Report
Interesting topic of research and important to the kiwi fruit industry when considering diversity and sustainability into the future.
Overall the manuscript was well researched and presented but I do not think it qualifies as a full research article but more as a research or technical note. There are limited results and discussion because of the nature of the study.
Please see specific comments.
Introduction: Relatively short. Could be discussed further in terms of the gaps in knowledge and why this particular study is needed.
Materials and Methods: Well written overall
line 68 : Error? Please correct.
Results: Clear and appropriate.
Discussion: Results seem to be included in the discussion. I suggest moving to the results section and possibly presenting the figures as tables to show the Two-way ANOVA. The figures are very confusing with the letters of significance - doesn't really make sense. I suggest relooking at the analysis.
Also, need to highlight how this study was different from previous studies and how this has added to our knowledge in this area. Currently not clear.
English throughout the manuscript needs improvement.
Author Response
-The authors present a study on the germination characteristics of kiwifruit. While generally well written and straightforward there are clarifications required in the introduction and materials and methods.
- Introduction:
Within the introduction please include a statement of the nature of seed dormancy in Kiwi. Does it exhibit physical, physiological or a combination of physical and physiological seed dormancy? Does it experience primary/secondary dormancy?
In the Introduction section, information about dormancy characteristics in kiwifruit is added in red in line (line 62-72) with the reviewer's recommendations.
-GA3 is commonly used as a seed treatment, in many species it can result in abnormal plant growth/etoliation. Does this affect kiwi?
Although there is no information in the literature that GA3 treatments to kiwifruit seeds has a negative effect on plant growth, some information about abnormal fruit development has been found in treatments in fruit.
-Line 38: Please clarify how this work contributes to sustainability as this term is often used both in the context of environmental sustainability and economic sustainability. Please clarify if this is to respond to consumer demand and the maintenance of competitiveness for local producers.
In accordance with the reviewer's suggestion, the relevant explanation has been added to the Introduction section in red between lines 46-53.
Materials and methods:
-Line 68: please correct referencing error/typo
While converting the word file to pdf it gave an error. It is corrected
-Line 70: What is the significance of firmness, does this correspond with seed ripening/post-harvest ripening. Is this the best way to limit the influence of maternal growth conditions and timing of harvest?
After the harvest, fruits were stored at 23 °C and ripening stage was controlled every week. Seed extraction carried out when ensures the fruit is ripe and soft. All fruits were harvested when were fully mature with black or dark brown seeds.
-Line 111: Please define the type of analyses run in SAS. Was the ANOVA analysis run in PROC GLM, PROC MIXED etc? Please list blocking factors.
The data were analysed using Proc GLM of SAS. Both experiments were carried out by completely randomized design with three replications. Writing randomized complete block design for the second experiment was a typo. It was corrected in the text. .
- General: Were replicates biological or technical in nature? Were populations derived from the same single fruit/material plants?
Both experiments were carried out in a completely randomized design with three replications. In fact, we had three biological replications.
- How were seeds protected from light during stratification? Could potential light exposure explain the results presented for DA3?
All petri dishes containing the seeds were placed in a carton box at the first and thereafter transfer to cool room without lightness.
It seems that high germination characteristics in kiwifruit seeds could be related to time of light and temperature treatment. In this study, light and temperature treatment was applied just after completing stratification period. .
Overall well written, I recommend reviewing the grammar on lines 15,18,40 and 77 with special attention taken to pluralization or certain words.
Corrections were made in the relevant lines. In the first two lines, the related word was made plural and the appropriate words were added/changed in the last two lines. Changes are shown in red in the word file.
Author Response File: Author Response.docx
Reviewer 3 Report
The author present a study on the germination characteristics of kiwifruit. While generally well written and straightforward there are clarifications required in the introduction and materials and methods.
Introduction:
- -Within the introduction please include a statement of the nature of seed dormancy in Kiwi. Does it exhibit physical, physiological or a combination of physical and physiological seed dormancy? Does it experience primary/secondary dormancy?
- -GA3 is commonly used as a seed treatment, in many species it can result in abnormal plant growth/etoliation. Does this affect kiwi?
- -Line 38: Please clarify how this work contributes to sustainability as this term is often used both in the context of environmental sustainability and economic sustainability. Please clarify if this is to respond to consumer demand and the maintenance of competitiveness for local producers.
Materials and methods:
- Line 68: please correct referencing error/typo
- Line 70: What is the significance of firmness, does this correspond with seed ripening/post-harvest ripening. Is this the best way to limit the influence of maternal growth conditions and timing of harvest?
- Line 111: Please define the type of analyses run in SAS. Was the ANOVA analysis run in PROC GLM, PROC MIXED etc? Please list blocking factors.
- General: Were replicates biological or technical in nature? Were populations derived from the same single fruit/material plants?
- How were seeds protected from light during stratification? Could potential light exposure explain the results presented for DA3?
Overall well written, I recommend reviewing the grammar on lines 15,18,40 and 77 with special attention taken to pluralization or certain words.
Author Response
Response to Reviewer 3:
-The authors present a study on the germination characteristics of kiwifruit. While generally well written and straightforward there are clarifications required in the introduction and materials and methods.
- Introduction:
Within the introduction please include a statement of the nature of seed dormancy in Kiwi. Does it exhibit physical, physiological or a combination of physical and physiological seed dormancy? Does it experience primary/secondary dormancy?
In the Introduction section, information about dormancy characteristics in kiwifruit is added in red in line (line 62-72) with the reviewer's recommendations.
-GA3 is commonly used as a seed treatment, in many species it can result in abnormal plant growth/etoliation. Does this affect kiwi?
Although there is no information in the literature that GA3 treatments to kiwifruit seeds has a negative effect on plant growth, some information about abnormal fruit development has been found in treatments in fruit.
-Line 38: Please clarify how this work contributes to sustainability as this term is often used both in the context of environmental sustainability and economic sustainability. Please clarify if this is to respond to consumer demand and the maintenance of competitiveness for local producers.
In accordance with the reviewer's suggestion, the relevant explanation has been added to the Introduction section in red between lines 46-53.
Materials and methods:
-Line 68: please correct referencing error/typo
While converting the word file to pdf it gave an error. It is corrected
-Line 70: What is the significance of firmness, does this correspond with seed ripening/post-harvest ripening. Is this the best way to limit the influence of maternal growth conditions and timing of harvest?
After the harvest, fruits were stored at 23 °C and ripening stage was controlled every week. Seed extraction carried out when ensures the fruit is ripe and soft. All fruits were harvested when were fully mature with black or dark brown seeds.
-Line 111: Please define the type of analyses run in SAS. Was the ANOVA analysis run in PROC GLM, PROC MIXED etc? Please list blocking factors.
The data were analysed using Proc GLM of SAS. Both experiments were carried out by completely randomized design with three replications. Writing randomized complete block design for the second experiment was a typo. It was corrected in the text. .
- General: Were replicates biological or technical in nature? Were populations derived from the same single fruit/material plants?
Both experiments were carried out in a completely randomized design with three replications. In fact, we had three biological replications.
- How were seeds protected from light during stratification? Could potential light exposure explain the results presented for DA3?
All petri dishes containing the seeds were placed in a carton box at the first and thereafter transfer to cool room without lightness.
It seems that high germination characteristics in kiwifruit seeds could be related to time of light and temperature treatment. In this study, light and temperature treatment was applied just after completing stratification period. .
Overall well written, I recommend reviewing the grammar on lines 15,18,40 and 77 with special attention taken to pluralization or certain words.
Corrections were made in the relevant lines. In the first two lines, the related word was made plural and the appropriate words were added/changed in the last two lines. Changes are shown in red in the word file.
We appreciate your careful evaluation of our manuscript and hope that this revision meets with your approval. Thanks again for your interest in our study.
Author Response File: Author Response.docx
Round 2
Reviewer 2 Report
Feedback addressed, thank you.
