Modern Approaches to In Vitro Clonal Banana Production: Next-Generation Tissue Culture Systems
and Yıldız Aka Kaçar 4,*Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
The manuscript focuses on comparing the proliferation of banana plants in a conventional way and bioreactors. The manuscript is precisely-written and in very good English, also Figures and Tables are done nicely. Only minor revisions are needed, following my comments and general notes.
Here are my comments:
Line 18-19 – names of cultivars should be referred as either “cv. Azman” or Ê»Azmanʼ, or “Azman variety”. Choose one and apply for all MS.
Line 28 – I believe Musa should be in italics.
Line 46 – space is missing in front of “While”
Line 47 – correct %14
Line 47 – please use English name – Turkey
Line 56 – “common in the literature” – I would like to see at least some citations, if possible
Line 57 – “are limited” – but they exist, so I ask you to provide some citations
Line 69 – HgCl2
Line 73 – one mg/l BAP – replace with 1 mg/l BAP. Apply for all MS if necessary
Line 73 – please put citation 10 after “medium”
Line 73 – please correct the whole sentence beginning with “30 g/l sucrose”. First of all, you shouldn´t start a sentence with a number or abbreviation. Second, change “eight g/l agar” to “8 g/l”.
Line 74 – shoot tips were cultured in the dark for how long? Please, add.
Line 76 – this sentence needs a little bit of rephrasing, or shortening
Line 79 – I see Reference is provided, so instead of (Plantform 2023) a Reference 3 should be there.
Line 111 – year is not necessary
Table 1 – I think References should be not as names, but as numbers
Line 147 – “DNA amplifications of the prepared PCR reactions were carried out in 147 a thermal cylinder device (Eppendorf)”. I don´t understand this sentence. If you are referring to the tubes you used, this information is not important, I think. If you meant something else, rephrase it and mention it in Rebuttal Letter.
Line 156 – if there is a citation to this program, please add
Figure 1 – very nice picture, but I would add some information into the caption such as how old are these plantlets (how many weeks), maybe also the composition of medium. Apply also for Figure 2.
Figure 2 - Please add a, b, c in the pictures and in the description. More information is needed.
Figure 4 – What cultivar is the one in the picture? Please, add
Table 2 and 4 – there are columns without statistical indexes. Why? If all the values in the column don´t differ from each other, it should be mentioned in the Table caption.
Figure 5 – define plants (banana variety XX)
Line 297 – correct “0.546 mg g-1” to “mg g-1”. Apply to all MS
Figure 7 – since you didn´t provide the sizes in the ladder, you should add info like this: “M–molecular marker (100 bp–3000 bp)“. Also, add the numbers of columns in the Figure caption.
Line 360 – this sentence belongs more to Abstract or Conclusion. Use different sentence to begin your Discussion.
Line 363 – three shoots/plant, replace with 3 shoots/plant. Apply for all MS.
Line 373- now, it´s not clear whether you refer to your results or some other study
Line 375 - 4mg/l, add space
Line 385 – what “thesis study”? You shouldn´t refer to PhD thesis in your References
Line 399 – Start the sentence with “In their study…”
Line 397-410 – I am no expert on bananas, but I checked the family of vanilla and chrysanthemum. Are these species related to bananas? Are there any studies on related species?
Line 405 – put Latin name in italics
Line 466 – chlorophyll doesn´t have to start with capitals
Line 474 – only genetic should start with capitals
Lines 501-503 need to be deleted.
General notes:
All Tables need to have in the Caption what columns/rows were statistically evaluated, at what P value and by what test. I know it´s all in M&M, but Tables and Figures should be always understandable on their own.
Methodics in section 2.7 need to be expanded. For example, what was the FW of samples used for DNA isolation, was the concentration of DNA verified, how was the DNA stored, what were the PCR conditions in each cycle, what kind of PCR –thermocycler, conditions for gel electrophoresis, ladder used…) All this needs to be mentioned, plus all machines and chemicals (also ladder etc.) should mention the manufacturer and the country of origin (for example: Fragments were visualized under a Quantum ST4 1000/26MX UV transilluminator (Vilber Lourmant, Collégien, FR).
Discussion: It seems many studies support your results, are there also any studies contradicting them? If yes, add them and discuss why is that so.
Section 4.4 – this section needs to be slightly rewritten. Yes, there are studies focusing on bananas, but they use different markers. Are there any studies focusing on SSR markers? If yes, discuss. If not, write it there. What about the origin of explants and PGRs? The last 2 sentences don´t need to be in this MS, I think.
Conclusions: General recommendations should be declared there.
That is all. Good luck.
Author Response
Reviewer 1
The manuscript focuses on comparing the proliferation of banana plants in a conventional way and bioreactors. The manuscript is precisely-written and in very good English, also Figures and Tables are done nicely. Only minor revisions are needed, following my comments and general notes.
Here are my comments:
Line 18-19 – names of cultivars should be referred as either “cv. Azman” or Ê»Azmanʼ, or “Azman variety”. Choose one and apply for all MS.
All of them were corrected.
Line 28 – I believe Musa should be in italics.
It is corrected.
Line 46 – space is missing in front of “While”
It is corrected.
Line 47 – correct %14
It is corrected.
Line 47 – please use English name – Turkey
The country name "Turkey" has officially been changed to "Türkiye" and has been approved by the United Nations.
Line 56 – “common in the literature” – I would like to see at least some citations, if possible
It is added.
Line 57 – “are limited” – but they exist, so I ask you to provide some citations
You are right, it is limited but there are some.
Line 69 – HgCl2
It is corrected.
Line 73 – one mg/l BAP – replace with 1 mg/l BAP. Apply for all MS if necessary
They all were corrected.
Line 73 – please put citation 10 after “medium”
It is corrected.
Line 73 – please correct the whole sentence beginning with “30 g/l sucrose”. First of all, you shouldn´t start a sentence with a number or abbreviation. Second, change “eight g/l agar” to “8 g/l”.
They all were corrected.
Line 74 – shoot tips were cultured in the dark for how long? Please, add.
It was corrected. During micropropagation stage shoot tips were cultured in the dark.
Line 76 – this sentence needs a little bit of rephrasing, or shortening
It was corrected.
Line 79 – I see Reference is provided, so instead of (Plantform 2023) a Reference 3 should be there.
It was corrected.
Line 111 – year is not necessary
It was corrected.
Table 1 – I think References should be not as names, but as numbers
It was corrected.
Line 147 – “DNA amplifications of the prepared PCR reactions were carried out in 147 a thermal cylinder device (Eppendorf)”. I don´t understand this sentence. If you are referring to the tubes you used, this information is not important, I think. If you meant something else, rephrase it and mention it in Rebuttal Letter.
deleted.
Line 156 – if there is a citation to this program, please add
Added.
Figure 1 – very nice picture, but I would add some information into the caption such as how old are these plantlets (how many weeks), maybe also the composition of medium. Apply also for Figure 2.
Figure 2 - Please add a, b, c in the pictures and in the description. More information is needed.
Figure 4 – What cultivar is the one in the picture? Please, add
Table 2 and 4 – there are columns without statistical indexes. Why? If all the values in the column don´t differ from each other, it should be mentioned in the Table caption.
Figure 5 – define plants (banana variety XX)
Figure 1 – Necessary information have been made. Plants were obtained after 6 weeks of culture. The media content is MS+ 2 mg/L BA.
Figure 2 - All pictures have been lettered and necessary explanations have been added.
Figure 4 – Necessary information about cultivar and stages has been arranged.
Table 2 and 4 – LSD values have been added to all tables. Explanations regarding statistically insignificant averages have been added.
Figure 5 – Information about the varieties in the table has been arranged.
Line 297 – correct “0.546 mg g-1” to “mg g-1”. Apply to all MS
Corrected.
Figure 7 – since you didn´t provide the sizes in the ladder, you should add info like this: “M–molecular marker (100 bp–3000 bp)“. Also, add the numbers of columns in the Figure caption.
Corrected.
Line 360 – this sentence belongs more to Abstract or Conclusion. Use different sentence to begin your Discussion.
Corrected.
Line 363 – three shoots/plant, replace with 3 shoots/plant. Apply for all MS.
Corrected.
Line 373- now, it´s not clear whether you refer to your results or some other study
Corrected.
Line 375 - 4mg/l, add space
Corrected.
Line 385 – what “thesis study”? You shouldn´t refer to PhD thesis in your References
You are right; it was by mistake.
Line 399 – Start the sentence with “In their study…”
Corrected.
Line 397-410 – I am no expert on bananas, but I checked the family of vanilla and chrysanthemum. Are these species related to bananas? Are there any studies on related species?
Not relative; however, we gave some alternative examples from different species.
Line 405 – put Latin name in italics
Corrected.
Line 466 – chlorophyll doesn´t have to start with capitals
Corrected.
Line 474 – only genetic should start with capitals
Corrected.
Lines 501-503 need to be deleted.
Deleted.
General notes:
All Tables need to have in the Caption what columns/rows were statistically evaluated, at what P value and by what test. I know it´s all in M&M, but Tables and Figures should be always understandable on their own.
Corrected.
Methodics in section 2.7 need to be expanded. For example, what was the FW of samples used for DNA isolation, was the concentration of DNA verified, how was the DNA stored, what were the PCR conditions in each cycle, what kind of PCR –thermocycler, conditions for gel electrophoresis, ladder used…) All this needs to be mentioned, plus all machines and chemicals (also ladder etc.) should mention the manufacturer and the country of origin (for example: Fragments were visualized under a Quantum ST4 1000/26MX UV transilluminator (Vilber Lourmant, Collégien, FR).
Corrected.
Discussion: It seems many studies support your results, are there also any studies contradicting them? If yes, add them and discuss why is that so.
No, generally TIBs are better yielded in literature.
Section 4.4 – this section needs to be slightly rewritten. Yes, there are studies focusing on bananas, but they use different markers. Are there any studies focusing on SSR markers? If yes, discuss. If not, write it there. What about the origin of explants and PGRs? The last 2 sentences don´t need to be in this MS, I think.
Conclusions: General recommendations should be declared there.
Corrected.
Reviewer 2 Report
The article presents a comprehensive study that compares the efficacy of two innovative bioreactor systems, Plantform™ and SETIS™, with traditional solid culture methods for the propagation, rooting, and acclimatization of two banana cultivars, 'Grande Naine' and 'Azman,' in in vitro conditions. The study explores various growth parameters, including micropropagation rate, plant height, number of leaves, and fresh and dry weight, across multiple subcultures, as well as rooting parameters and subsequent greenhouse acclimatization. Additionally, the study delves into the physiological aspects of plant development through photosynthetic pigment analysis and stoma examinations. The manuscript is interesting, nonetheless, there are some issues that need to be clarified before publication:
- Keywords should be arranged alphabetically and not repeat words from the title.
- The Latin name of the species studied is not even mentioned once.
- Please, provide the initials of the author of the species’ name when mentioning it for the first time, e.g. Dendrobium nobile Lindl.
- Throughout the text, the authors are incorrectly using the term ‘variety’ instead of ‘cultivar’ and ‘sterilization’ instead of ‘disinfection’.
- Add the geographical location of the experimental site (the glasshouse).
- Units should be given as product, e.g. mg*L-1 (not mg/L).
- Names of species should be written in italics.
- Names of cultivars should be written in ‘’ (‘Grande Naine’ and ‘Azman’).
- Line 87: what were the light conditions (PPFD and light source)?
- Producers of key chemicals and equipment are not mentioned or incomplete.
- Fig.7: what is the size of the marker bands?
Grammar and style require improvement.
Author Response
Reviewer 2
The article presents a comprehensive study that compares the efficacy of two innovative bioreactor systems, Plantform™ and SETIS™, with traditional solid culture methods for the propagation, rooting, and acclimatization of two banana cultivars, 'Grande Naine' and 'Azman,' in in vitro conditions. The study explores various growth parameters, including micropropagation rate, plant height, number of leaves, and fresh and dry weight, across multiple subcultures, as well as rooting parameters and subsequent greenhouse acclimatization. Additionally, the study delves into the physiological aspects of plant development through photosynthetic pigment analysis and stoma examinations. The manuscript is interesting, nonetheless, there are some issues that need to be clarified before publication:
- Keywords should be arranged alphabetically and not repeat words from the title.
Corrected.
- The Latin name of the species studied is not even mentioned once.
Corrected.
- Please, provide the initials of the author of the species’ name when mentioning it for the first time, e.g. Dendrobium nobile Lindl.
Corrected.
- Throughout the text, the authors are incorrectly using the term ‘variety’ instead of ‘cultivar’ and ‘sterilization’ instead of ‘disinfection’.
- Add the geographical location of the experimental site (the glasshouse).
- Units should be given as product, e.g. mg*L-1 (not mg/L).
Different two reviewers suggested different format we used mg l-1
- Names of species should be written in italics.
Corrected.
- Names of cultivars should be written in ‘’ (‘Grande Naine’ and ‘Azman’).
Corrected.
- Line 87: what were the light conditions (PPFD and light source)?
Added.
- Producers of key chemicals and equipment are not mentioned or incomplete.
Added.
- Fig.7: what is the size of the marker bands?
Added.
Grammar and style require improvement.
We took professional English editing, however, we checked again and corrected some necessary parts.
Reviewer 3 Report
The present article describes clonal Banana production through different systems of in vitro propagation. The aim is to identify the system with the highest micropropagation rate.
This article is interesting and well-written, but there are a few points that need clarifying.
Therefore, it needs a revision.
Line 12: in vitro in italics, to correct throughout the text.
Line 71: “NaClO” write in full as done for HgCl2 or report in abbreviations at the end of the article.
Line 73: "one" write it as a number; “BAP and MS” write in full as done for HgCl2 or report in abbreviations at the end of the article.
Line 83: “five” write it as a number.
Line 84: How many dishes are in total? How many vessels are for each bioreactor system?
Line 90: Why is there a difference in dive frequency between the two systems?
Line 97: “IBA” write in full as done for HgCl2 or report in abbreviations at the end of the article.
Line 99: “eight” “two” write it as a number.
Line 100: “four” write it as a number.
Line 188: It is wrong, change the table title and number. In the Table change “Number of shoots” with “Number of shoots/plant”. Add unit misure to F.W. and D.W.
Line 232: In Table 3 change “Number of roots” with “Number of roots/plant”. Add unit misure to F.W. and D.W.
Line 356: Add rooting to culture in Figure 7.
Line 364: “three” write it as a number.
Line 476: “BA “ write in full as done for HgCl2 or report in abbreviations at the end of the article.
Line 501-503: Delete
October 12, 2023
Author Response
Reviewer 3
The present article describes clonal Banana production through different systems of in vitro propagation. The aim is to identify the system with the highest micropropagation rate.
This article is interesting and well-written, but there are a few points that need clarifying.
Therefore, it needs a revision.
Line 12: in vitro in italics, to correct throughout the text.
Corrected.
Line 71: “NaClO” write in full as done for HgCl2 or report in abbreviations at the end of the article.
Corrected.
Line 73: "one" write it as a number; “BAP and MS” write in full as done for HgCl2 or report in abbreviations at the end of the article.
Corrected.
Line 83: “five” write it as a number.
Corrected.
Line 84: How many dishes are in total? How many vessels are for each bioreactor system?
Added.
Line 90: Why is there a difference in dive frequency between the two systems?
The differing systems and mechanisms actually result in varying immersion and aeration durations.
Line 97: “IBA” write in full as done for HgCl2 or report in abbreviations at the end of the article.
Corrected.
Line 99: “eight” “two” write it as a number.
Corrected.
Line 100: “four” write it as a number.
Corrected.
Line 188: It is wrong, change the table title and number. In the Table change “Number of shoots” with “Number of shoots/plant”. Add unit misure to F.W. and D.W.
Corrected.
Line 232: In Table 3 change “Number of roots” with “Number of roots/plant”. Add unit misure to F.W. and D.W.
Corrected.
Line 356: Add rooting to culture in Figure 7.
Due to the unavailability of high-quality root images, they have not been included. However, we have provided comprehensive data and a thorough discussion of all aspects related to root formation. We kindly request your understanding and acceptance of the submission in this manner.
Line 364: “three” write it as a number.
Corrected.
Line 476: “BA “ write in full as done for HgCl2 or report in abbreviations at the end of the article.
Corrected.
Line 501-503: Delete
It was by mistake from the template, really sorry. Deleted.
