Transcriptome and Metabolome Revealed Impacts of Zn Fertilizer Application on Flavonoid Biosynthesis in Foxtail Millet

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

See my detailed report.

Comments for author File: Comments.pdf

Comments on the Quality of English Language

The manuscript is riddled with grammatical and spelling mistakes. Although I've started to highlight some, there are errors throughout practically every page and paragraph.  See details in my report.

Author Response

As shown in the attachment

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

This manuscript presents a valuable multi-omics investigation into the effects of zinc fertilizer on flavonoid biosynthesis in foxtail millet. The experimental design and analytical methodology are well-constructed and align with the study’s objectives. However, major revisions are needed in the following aspects:

• The hypothesis should be explicitly stated in the introduction to better frame the research direction.

• Some sections of the abstract and discussion contain long, grammatically complex sentences that need simplification for clarity.

• There is an inconsistency between the results and conclusions regarding which zinc application method is more effective—this must be clarified and supported by data interpretation.

• The discussion should provide deeper engagement with existing literature when interpreting flavonoid biosynthesis data.

• Figures and legends (e.g., Figure 1) need refinement, including abbreviation definitions and clearer comparative insight.

Improving these areas will significantly strengthen the clarity and impact of the paper.

Author Response

As shown in the attachment

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Round 2

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

na

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

Accept in present form