Foliar Application of Zinc Improves Agronomical and Quality Parameters and Biofortification of Cowpea (Vigna sinensis) under Deficit Irrigation
Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
Dear,
The work is important and has the potential for publication, however, it needs some adjustments, as mentioned below:
- In the Abstract, you need to describe the objective better. Add more data about the results. It seems like this is just a general conclusion.
- In the Introduction, there are many of important information that needs references. I suggest that references be inserted to enrich the work. The Introduction should end with the objectives. I suggest removing all the phrases that are after the objective of the work.
- In Material and Methods it is necessary to describe what this local variety is. It got confusing that way.
- In Results, it is not necessary to cite references. References are cited only in the Discussion. Remove all. Need to reorganize this section overall
- In Conclusion, I suggest decreasing. It was too long and difficult to understand.
Author Response
First of all, I would like to thank you very much for your valuable criticisms and contributions to my article. These points bring my article to a better level.
Author Response File: 
Author Response.docx
Reviewer 2 Report
My comments and suggestions in relation with the manuscript: 1. Considering the importance and timeliness of the subject, it is necessary to include more recent references in the bibliography and to compare them within the "results" section with your own findings. 2. The numbering of the figures and tables is inappropriate, it is necessary to number the tables and figures separately and to refer to them in the text. 3. The chapters should be well separated e.g. ConclusionAuthor Response
I would like to thank you very much for your valuable criticisms and contributions to my article. These points bring my article to a better level.
Author Response File: Author Response.docx
Reviewer 3 Report
The paper deals with a very interesting topic. I highly appreciate the selection of the Vigna sinensis crop also the execution of the field experiment.
Regarding the article, I have several comments:
Abstract
· Lines 21 – 22: modify the sentence "…… to the bioavailability of grain"
Introduction
· Clearly formulate a scientific hypothesis
· Lines 106 – 108: edit the sentence "It was discovered that…."
Materials and Methods
Line 112: add the state "(Turkey)"
· Table 1: edit the format
· Lines 125 – 126: modify the sentence "……….which proves the necessity of foliar zinc application" and add the general characteristics of soils in terms of plant nutrition
· Modify Table 2, as it is an image. Represent temperatures with lines and precipitation with columns.
· Line 159: adjust the units „400 l.ha-1.“
· Lines 160 – 172: Modify and provide a better description of the irrigation options
· Bold the text in line 186
Results
· Divide the chapter into two sections: "Results" and "Discussion."
· Figure 1 – 3: do not combine images and tables
· Either quote or remove the text in lines 431-435.
Discussion
· There is no effect of alkaline soil pH on the uptake of elements and water
· The effect of alkaline soil pH and plant stress is missing
Conclusions
· In the conclusion, only state your main results.
· Adjust and move the remaining text to the discussion section.
References
· Modify according to the editor's instructions.
Author Response
Thank you very much for reviewing my article and for your valuable criticism and contributions. The changes you have indicated have been made and are shown in the attached file.
Author Response File: Author Response.docx
Round 2
Reviewer 1 Report
The authors made the modifications, according to the suggestions.
Reviewer 3 Report
Comments have been accepted.
Thank you for your cooperation.
