SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY

Scope & Guideline

Exploring the Depths of Plant Biology

Introduction

Welcome to your portal for understanding SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY, featuring guidelines for its aims and scope. Our guidelines cover trending and emerging topics, identifying the forefront of research. Additionally, we track declining topics, offering insights into areas experiencing reduced scholarly attention. Key highlights include highly cited topics and recently published papers, curated within these guidelines to assist you in navigating influential academic dialogues.
LanguageMulti-Language
ISSN0254-6299
PublisherELSEVIER
Support Open AccessNo
CountryNetherlands
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1982 to 1986, from 1988 to 1990, from 1993 to 2024
AbbreviationS AFR J BOT / S. Afr. J. Bot.
Frequency4 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
AddressRADARWEG 29, 1043 NX AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS

Aims and Scopes

The South African Journal of Botany focuses on the diverse aspects of plant science, particularly emphasizing research that contributes to the understanding and preservation of botanical diversity in South Africa and beyond.
  1. Plant Diversity and Conservation:
    Research on the taxonomy, ecology, and conservation strategies for South African flora, highlighting both endemic and invasive species.
  2. Ethnobotanical Studies:
    Exploration of traditional uses of plants by local communities, examining their pharmacological properties and potential applications in modern medicine.
  3. Phytochemistry and Bioactivity:
    Investigation of the chemical compounds found in plants, including their biological activities such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer properties.
  4. Plant Physiology and Stress Responses:
    Studies focusing on the physiological responses of plants to various environmental stresses, including drought, salinity, and heavy metals.
  5. Biotechnology and Plant Propagation:
    Research on in vitro methods for plant propagation, genetic modification, and the use of biostimulants to enhance growth and stress tolerance.
  6. Applications in Agriculture and Horticulture:
    Investigations into the practical applications of plant science in improving crop production, sustainable agriculture, and food security.
Recent publications in the South African Journal of Botany highlight several emerging themes that reflect current trends in botanical research, particularly in response to global challenges.
  1. Sustainable Practices and Environmental Impact:
    There is an increasing emphasis on sustainable agricultural practices, including the use of biopesticides and organic fertilizers to mitigate environmental impacts.
  2. Phytoremediation and Heavy Metals:
    Research on using plants to remediate contaminated soils, particularly focusing on heavy metal uptake, has gained traction as environmental issues become more pressing.
  3. Plant-Microbe Interactions:
    Studies exploring the beneficial relationships between plants and microbes, including endophytes and mycorrhizae, are on the rise, providing insights into plant health and resilience.
  4. Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals:
    Exploration of plants with potential health benefits is trending, particularly those that can be developed into functional foods or nutraceuticals for disease prevention.
  5. Use of Nanotechnology in Botany:
    Innovative applications of nanotechnology in enhancing plant growth and disease resistance are emerging, reflecting a modern approach to traditional botanical research.
  6. Climate Change Adaptation Strategies:
    Research focused on how plant species adapt to climate change conditions, including altered growth patterns and physiological responses, is increasingly relevant.

Declining or Waning

While the South African Journal of Botany has maintained a strong focus on various aspects of botany, certain topics have seen a noticeable decline in publication frequency.
  1. Traditional Agricultural Practices:
    Research on ancient agricultural methods and their relevance appears to be decreasing as more focus shifts towards modern biotechnological approaches.
  2. Pure Taxonomy without Ecological Context:
    Studies that focus solely on taxonomy without integrating ecological or conservation aspects have become less prominent, reflecting a shift towards more holistic research approaches.
  3. Invasive Species Management:
    While still relevant, the specific studies on management strategies for invasive species have seen fewer publications, possibly due to a shift in focus toward broader ecological impacts.

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