Lavender Breeding for Winter Hardiness in a Temperate Climate

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The present study reports on “Lavender breeding for winter hardiness in a temperate climate”. Overall, the authors use precise and technical English. Some of the language used might be confusing for non-native speakers. The grammar/language used significantly impacts the clarity of the manuscript in some parts. The document contains many missuses of English language, and scientifically writing: missing italics plant names; the figure legend must be in English;  Line 87: "Lavandula angustifolia" instead "lavender angustifolia"...

- The Introduction section is rich in scientific information but it is poorly presented, the authors must give more details on the problem and their initial hypothesis; explain the criterion according to which they selected these plants for their study.

- The discussion is poorly presented; To enhance their work, authors are invited to discuss their results with data from the literature and to specify the added value of their results.

- The conclusion is the final point of all scientific content. Placed last in the scientific article, this section is the last part that reviewers, researchers and other readers will read. It is therefore essential to write it well! Its objective is to show the evidence that answers the research question and that confirms or refutes the research hypotheses. It is also the place where the author of the article can show the originality of his study, testify to its impact and bring new questions. In the conclusion, the message of the article is placed in a broader scientific and social context: any reader who has not necessarily read the rest of the article must be able to understand it.

Warning! This section should not provide new information: it is a summary of everything that has already been said in the article. Since it is a summary, it should not contain specific examples or references either.

Comments on the Quality of English Language

The MS still needs very careful editing for scientific clarity incl. terminology and correct grammar.

Author Response

Dear reviewer! Thank you for your attentive attention to our manuscript and your comments. Please read the corrected version of the article. All corrections are highlighted in green.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

Dear Authors,

Apart from my review, all issues which should be corrected are included in a separate PDF file sent to the Editorial Office. Please correct the text according to my comments and suggestions.

Comments for author File: Comments.pdf

Author Response

Dear reviewer! Thank you for your attentive attention to our manuscript and your comments. Please read the corrected version of the article. All corrections are highlighted in green.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 3 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

Lavender is a essential oil and ornamental plant, while low temperature is an abiotic factor limits its growth, development, and geographical distribution. This manuscript preliminarily reported Lavender breeding for winter hardiness in a temperate climate, it is important to screen and breed the optimal varieties for low temperature. The manuscript was well designed and wrote, and obtained expected results. However, I think the following comments should be considered.

(1) ABSTRACT: The research GAP of this research should be clearly stated in the ABSTRACT.

(2) INTRODUCTION: The research GAP of this research or hypothesis should be clearly stated in the INTRODUCTION.

(3) METHODS: The photos of the 6-point system should be supplemented.

(4) RESULTS: The label in y-axis of figure 3 should be changed into English, and the pixel of all figures should be improved.

(5) DISCUSSION: The first paragraph should summarized the main findings, and the further discussed based results and other relevant references.

(6) CONCLUSION: The references should not be included in the CONCLUSION.

(7) LANGUAGE: Language should be carefully checked and revised.

Author Response

Dear reviewer! Thank you for your attentive attention to our manuscript and your comments. Please read the corrected version of the article. All corrections are highlighted in green.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Round 2

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

Thank you for making changes according to my comments.

Reviewer 3 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The manuscript has been improved according to the comments, so I think it shound be accepted for publication.