Seed Science Research provides an international vehicle for the publication of original papers and review articles on the fundamental aspects of seed research. The emphasis is on the physiology, biochemistry, molecular biology and ecology of seeds, covering the following key topics: seed and embryo development, genetic engineering (modification), biotechnology, maturation, dormancy, germination, viability, longevity, vigour, chemical and structural defences, reserve mobilization, establishment, ecophysiology, seed-soil and seed-animal interactions and computer modelling.
Page Format. The Journal is printed in a two-column format (column width of 80 mm) with a text area of 170x225 mm.
Text. Papers should be typed, on one side of the paper only, with double line spacing and ample margins (at least 1.5 cm) on each side and with no underlining or bold in text except for scientific names. Draft quality print from a word-processor is not acceptable. Standard abbreviations (e.g. Fig. and Figs) and metric units must be used. Use British rather than American spellings. Use 'z' rather than V spellings in words with 'ize'.
Disks. Upon acceptance, authors are requested to submit a computer disk containing the final version of their paper along with the final manuscript to the editorial office. Please do the following: (1) Label disk clearly with author's name, title of journal and short title of the article; (2) Specify which word processing software (including which version) was used (e.g. WordPerfect 6.0); (3) Specify what computer was used; (4) Include both original file and ASCII file on the disk; (5) Keep a backup disk for reference and safety.
Abstract. Each paper must commence with an accurate, informative abstract in one paragraph, that is complete in itself and intelligible without reference to text or figures. It should not exceed 250 words. A short title should be provided as a running head.
Keywords. Not more than seven should be suggested in alphabetical order. They should include the main subjects of the research and the plant material.
Tables. Tables should be reduced to the simplest form and present only essential data. They should be submitted on separate sheets at the end of the article and must fit into single column, full width or landscape (if absolutely necessary) format. Captions should be typed on a separate sheet. The use of vertical rules should be avoided.
Illustrations. Copies of artwork only should be submitted but photocopies of photographic plates (e.g. EM, gels) are not acceptable and originals must be provided. The original illustrations should accompany the paper after acceptance and revision. Captions should be typed on a separate sheet.
Line drawings
These should be sharp and clear, black ink on white paper to about 1.5 times the intended final size. The lettering and lines should be of sufficient thickness and quality to stand reduction. Computer generated figures and graphs should not contain grey tints or complicated hatching.
Half-tone photographs
Black and white half-tone photographs are acceptable where they are a real contribution to the text. They should be prints of good quality at the intended final size with any required lettering or numbering inserted by the author.
References. References must be based on the name and year system, give full journal titles and conform to the following styles:
Bewley, J.D. and Black, M. (1994) Seeds. Physiology of development and germination. (2nd edition) New York, Plenum Press.
Leonardi, A., Heimovara-Dijkstra, S. and Wang, M. (1995) Different involvement of abscisic acid in dehydration and osmotic stress in rice cells. Physiologia Plantarum 93, 31-37.
Yamada, T. and Okamura, K. (1996) Germplasm conservation. pp 43-60 in McKersie, B.D.; Brown, D.C.W. (Eds) Biotechnology and the improvement of forage legumes. Wallingford, UK, CAB INTERNATIONAL.
Zhang, Y. (1992) Induction and maturation of alfalfa somatic embryo. MSc Thesis, University of Guelph.
Citation of authors in the text should appear in the form: Polaszek (1996) or (Polaszek, 1996). Authors should be cited in chronological order as: (Atkins, 1989; Blackman et al., 1994; Roberts and Kumar, 1995).
Proofs. Authors will receive two sets of page proofs. One set is for correcting and should be returned as promptly as possible to the address given, the other set is to be retained.
Voucher copy. A voucher copy of the Journal is provided free to the author (or major author) of each paper.
Offprints. 50 copies of each paper are provided free to the author (or major author) of each paper. Additional copies may be obtained on payment and the number required must be specified and ordered at proof stage, when prices will be quoted. Orders must be received before the issue has gone to press.
Copyright. Authors will be supplied with a copyright form which must be completed and returned to the Publisher. Papers are accepted on the understanding that the work has been submitted exclusively to the Journal and has not been previously published elsewhere unless otherwise stated.
Disposal of material. Once published, all copies of the manuscript, correspondence and artwork will be held for six months before disposal. Authors must contact the Editor if they wish to have any material returned.
Manuscripts. Three copies of the manuscript and artwork (originals of photographic plates) should be submitted to:
Professor M. Black
Division of Life Sciences
King's College London
Campden Hill Road, London
W8 7AH, UK.
