PeerJ – Plant Biology section

30 October 2018

Uncovering full-length transcript isoforms of sugarcane cultivar Khon Kaen 3 using single-molecule long-read sequencing

Jittima Piriyapongsa, Pavita Kaewprommal, Sirintra Vaiwsri, Songtham Anuntakarun, Warodom Wirojsirasak, Prapat Punpee, Peeraya Klomsa-ard, Philip J. Shaw, Wirulda Pootakham, Thippawan Yoocha, Duangjai Sangsrakru, Sithichoke Tangphatsornruang, Sissades Tongsima, Somvong Tragoonrung

Editor rating: 7 / 10

Joseph Gillespie –– Great resource on long-read sequencing and utilizing single-cell data to understand isoforms.

31 July 2018

Identification of exosome-like nanoparticle-derived microRNAs from 11 edible fruits and vegetables

Editor rating: 7 / 10

Alberto Davalos –– Understanding the mechanism of high stability of plant miRNAs outside the plant is relevant for their possible cross-kingdom regulation (if any). Their transport in exosome-like nanoparticles could be one of those mechanism. However, whether this is enough to have a biological effect in vivo is unknown.

24 July 2018

Effect of Burkholderia tropica and Herbaspirillum frisingense strains on sorghum growth is plant genotype dependent

Editor rating: 7 / 10

Michael LaMontagne –– Shows how bacteria isolated from one crop can benefit another.

24 July 2018

Best in the company of nearby males: female success in the threatened cycad, Zamia portoricensis

Editor rating: 8 / 10

Paolo Giordani –– A good and unique contribution about the cycad reproduction in natural populations.

23 July 2018

Mitochondrial genomes organization in alloplasmic lines of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) with various types of cytoplasmic male sterility

Editor rating: 7 / 10

Vsevolod Makeev –– The authors carefully invested into DNA scaffolding and resolved insertion and inversion in their mt genome, by the way adding the number of sunflower mt genomes available from one two three.

15 June 2018

The use of chloroplast genome sequences to solve phylogenetic incongruences in Polystachya Hook (Orchidaceae Juss)

Editor rating: 7 / 10

Gabriela Parra Olea –– This manuscript contains a large amount of data to elucidate the phylogenetic relationships of a group of orchids. Interesting methodology.

11 June 2018

Two new species of Primulina (Gesneriaceae) from limestone karsts of China

Editor rating: 7 / 10

Paolo Giordani –– A small but effective evidence to the fact that we still need good basic sistematic research.

23 May 2018

The complete chloroplast genome of Colobanthus apetalus (Labill.) Druce: genome organization and comparison with related species

Editor rating: 8 / 10

Ladislav Mucina –– Solid piece of routine work on whole-genome sequencing, adding valuable data on an evolutionary intricate taxonomic group.

30 April 2018

Endophytic fungal communities associated with field-grown soybean roots and seeds in the Huang-Huai region of China

Editor rating: 7 / 10

Paolo Giordani –– A straight forward study of fungal diversity in soybean roots: Yang & collaborators highlighted that the diversity of soybean endophytic fungal communities are site- and tissue-specific. By investigating soybean–endophytic fungi interaction, this paper provides new insights for the use of beneficial microorganisms to promote healthy of plants such as soybean.

16 April 2018

TAS3 miR390-dependent loci in non-vascular land plants: towards a comprehensive reconstruction of the gene evolutionary history

Editor rating: 7 / 10