The Improvement in the Growth and Biosynthesis of Polyphenols in Ocimum basilicum L. Plants Through Simultaneous Modulation of Light Conditions and Soil Supplementation

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

Dear authors,

Studying the growth conditions and biosynthesis of polyphenolic compounds in Ocimum basilicum L. (sweet basil) is of great significance. Sweet basil is widely cultivated not only as a culinary herb and ornamental plant but also for its medicinal properties, including its potential in preventing stroke, ischemia, and cancer. Understanding its optimal growth conditions can enhance both its production efficiency and medicinal value. However I hope the following aspects of the article can be improved

 

Regards,

1. In the abstract, you should highlight which combination is the optimal one.

2. In the results, the research methods used in lines 113-125 and 168-176 should be explained in the materials section.

3. Is the unit "mg/l soil" in line 213 written incorrectly?

4. In the discussion, it is advisable to first cite relevant research findings from others in your field, and then compare and contrast them with your own results.

5. In line 346, I have not seen citations done this way. Is the citation method of the paper correct?

6. In line 366, Is the blue light proportion preferred over the B proportion?

7. What mean of “200 mkm, no effect [42] soil/sand, 300 mkm, различные сочетания BRG нет эффекта на наши более”, I can’t understand

8. The discussion lacks an in-depth analysis of the impact of light and soil fertility on the synthesis of CAD in sweet basil.

9. In the conclusions, the practical implications of this experiment for production should be highlighted.

Author Response

Dear authors,

Studying the growth conditions and biosynthesis of polyphenolic compounds in Ocimum basilicum L. (sweet basil) is of great significance. Sweet basil is widely cultivated not only as a culinary herb and ornamental plant but also for its medicinal properties, including its potential in preventing stroke, ischemia, and cancer. Understanding its optimal growth conditions can enhance both its production efficiency and medicinal value. However I hope the following aspects of the article can be improved

Regards,

Dear Reviewer #1 we express our sincere gratitude for the positive feedback about our work. Your comments are very important for the manuscript. Corrections according to comments of  Reviewer #1 are highlighted in grey.

1. In the abstract, you should highlight which combination is the optimal one.

Answer: Corrected

2. In the results, the research methods used in lines 113-125 and 168-176 should be explained in the materials section.

Answer: Corrected

3. Is the unit "mg/l soil" in line 213 written incorrectly?

Answer: Productivity was calculated according to the formula indicated at the end of the subsection 4.3 of the materials section.

4. In the discussion, it is advisable to first cite relevant research findings from others in your field, and then compare and contrast them with your own results.
5. In line 346, I have not seen citations done this way. Is the citation method of the paper correct?
6. In line 366, Is the blue light proportion preferred over the B proportion?
7. What mean of “200 mkm, no effect [42] soil/sand, 300 mkm, различные сочетания BRG нет эффекта на наши более”, I can’t understand
8. The discussion lacks an in-depth analysis of the impact of light and soil fertility on the synthesis of CADin sweet basil.

Comments 4-8; Answer: The Discussion section had been rewritten accordingly to comments of all three rewires

9. In the conclusions, the practical implications of this experiment for production should be highlighted.

Answer: Corrected

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The manuscript entitled “Modulation of light conditions and root nutrition can improve the growth and biosynthesis of polyphenols in Ocimum basilicum L. plants” is well-written and structured. It addresses an important and relevant topic focused on optimizing the cultivation of sweet basil under different light conditions and soil nutrient levels, with the aim of the study, to improve its medicinal properties.

The literature selection is detailed and appropriate and provides a solid basis for the study.

However, I believe some revisions and modifications would further improve the manuscript:

Title

The title should be revised to avoid sounding like a statement.

Keywords

The keywords chosen are appropriate and mostly do not overlap with the terms in the title. However, "Ocimum basilicum" should be replaced by sweet basil to avoid redundancy.

Materials and methods

It should be specified reason why the morphological analyses were carried out at 35 days after sowing.

It should indicate the stage of development of the plants used for the chemical analyses. This information is important for replicability and interpretation of the results.

Results

When citing figures, use “Figure” instead of “Fig.” throughout the manuscript.

Discussion

Revise this section to eliminate redundant content from the Introduction and Results. Instead, focus on comparing the findings with those of other studies, particularly highlighting contrasts with results from field experiments conducted under natural light conditions. Pay special attention to discussing the differences in the content of caffeic acid derivatives and anthocyanins, emphasizing their implications and significance.

In line 54, ensure that the Latin name of the plant is italicized (Ocimum basilicum).

Translate lines 376 and 377 into English.

 

Author Response

Reviewer #2

The manuscript entitled “Modulation of light conditions and root nutrition can improve the growth and biosynthesis of polyphenols in Ocimum basilicum L. plants” is well-written and structured. It addresses an important and relevant topic focused on optimizing the cultivation of sweet basil under different light conditions and soil nutrient levels, with the aim of the study, to improve its medicinal properties.

The literature selection is detailed and appropriate and provides a solid basis for the study.

 

Dear Reviewer #2 we express our sincere gratitude for the positive feedback about our work. Your comments are very important for the manuscript.

Corrections according to comments of  Reviewer #2 are highlighted in khaki.

However, I believe some revisions and modifications would further improve the manuscript:

Title

The title should be revised to avoid sounding like a statement.

Answer: Corrected

Keywords

The keywords chosen are appropriate and mostly do not overlap with the terms in the title. However, "Ocimum basilicum" should be replaced by sweet basil to avoid redundancy.

Answer: Corrected

Materials and methods

It should be specified reason why the morphological analyses were carried out at 35 days after sowing.

It should indicate the stage of development of the plants used for the chemical analyses. This information is important for replicability and interpretation of the results.

 

Answer: Information had been added. The flowering process distorts the biochemical status of the plant. The 35th day of growth was chosen in the preliminary experiments, since different lighting had different effects on the onset of flowering.

Results

When citing figures, use “Figure” instead of “Fig.” throughout the manuscript.

Answer: Corrected

Discussion

Revise this section to eliminate redundant content from the Introduction and Results. Instead, focus on comparing the findings with those of other studies, particularly highlighting contrasts with results from field experiments conducted under natural light conditions. Pay special attention to discussing the differences in the content of caffeic acid derivatives and anthocyanins, emphasizing their implications and significance. Translate lines 376 and 377 into English.

Answer: The Discussion section had been rewritten accordingly to comments of all three rewires

In line 54, ensure that the Latin name of the plant is italicized (Ocimum basilicum).

Answer: Corrected

Reviewer 3 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

This study explores the effects of combining LED light spectra and root nutrition on the morphology and biochemical properties of basil, shows certain innovation and application value. However, to further enhance the scientific rigor, data accuracy, and clarity of presentation, we suggest the following revisions and improvements:

Line 26: The description refers to "different light intensities," but the experiment seems to involve different spectra or LED lamps. Please clarify.

Line 28–29: The title mentions "root nutrition," but much of the study focuses on soil supplements and different soil types (Line 393–395). Consider aligning the terminology.

Line 121–126: It is recommended to present the experimental treatments in a tabular format in the Materials and Methods section for better clarity.

Line 316–331: Consider moving this section to the Introduction, as it appears to provide background for the study. The Discussion section also needs optimization, as it primarily reiterates the results. Try structuring the discussion based on the study’s conclusions.

Line 376–377: Consider rephrasing this section in English for better comprehension.

Line 389: Please provide details on the irrigation volume and nutrient solution concentration for the three experimental treatments.

Line 390: Specify the environmental conditions under which the experiments were conducted—e.g., plant factory or greenhouse.

Comments on the Quality of English Language

 The English could be improved to more clearly express the research.

Author Response

Reviewer #3

This study explores the effects of combining LED light spectra and root nutrition on the morphology and biochemical properties of basil, shows certain innovation and application value. However, to further enhance the scientific rigor, data accuracy, and clarity of presentation, we suggest the following revisions and improvements:

Dear Reviewer #3, we express our sincere gratitude for the positive feedback about our work. Your comments are very important for the manuscript.

Corrections according to comments of  Reviewer #3 are highlighted in yellow.

Line 26: The description refers to "different light intensities," but the experiment seems to involve different spectra or LED lamps. Please clarify.

Answer: Corrected

Line 28–29: The title mentions "root nutrition," but much of the study focuses on soil supplements and different soil types (Line 393–395). Consider aligning the terminology.

Answer: Corrected

Line 121–126: It is recommended to present the experimental treatments in a tabular format in the Materials and Methods section for better clarity.

Answer: Corrected

Line 316–331: Consider moving this section to the Introduction, as it appears to provide background for the study. The Discussion section also needs optimization, as it primarily reiterates the results. Try structuring the discussion based on the study’s conclusions.

Line 376–377: Consider rephrasing this section in English for better comprehension.

Answer: The Discussion section had been rewritten accordingly to comments of all three rewires

Line 389: Please provide details on the irrigation volume and nutrient solution concentration for the three experimental treatments.

Answer: Corrected

Line 390: Specify the environmental conditions under which the experiments were conducted—e.g., plant factory or greenhouse.

Answer: Corrected

English has been edited according to reviewers' recommendations

Round 2

Reviewer 3 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

none

Comments on the Quality of English Language

The English could be improved to more clearly express the research.