Perspectives from early career researchers on the publication process in ecology – a response to Statzner & Resh (2010)

1. Two senior ecologists summarised their experience of the scientific publication process ( Statzner & Resh, Freshwater Biology, 2010 ; 55 , 2639) to generate discussion, particularly among early career researchers (ECRs). As a group of eight ECRs, we comment on the six trends they described. 2. We generally agree with most of the trends identified by Statzner & Resh (2010) , but also highlight a number of divergent perspectives and provide recommendations for change. Trends of particular concern are the use of inappropriate metrics to evaluate research quality (e.g. impact factor) and the salami slicing of papers to increase paper count. We advocate a transparent and comprehensive system for evaluating the research. 3. We stress the importance of impartiality and independence in the peer review process. We therefore suggest implementation of double‐blind review and quality control measures for reviewers and possibly editors. Besides such structural changes, editors should be confident to overrule biased reviewer recommendations, while reviewers should provide helpful reviews but be explicit if a submission does not meet quality standards. Authors should always conduct a thorough literature search and acknowledge historical scientific ideas and methods. Additionally, authors should report low‐quality copy editing and reviews to the editors. 4. Both early and late career researchers should jointly implement these recommendations to reverse the negative trends identified by Statzner & Resh (2010) . However, more senior scientists will always have to take the lead with respect to structural changes in the publication system given that they occupy the majority of decision‐making positions.     

The effect of nematicides, applied to the seed rows in spring, on growth and yield of sugar beet in Docking-disorder-affected fields

Both Trichodorus spp. and Longidorus spp. damage roots of sugar-beet seedlings in sandy soil, causing Docking disorder. Trials in infested fields between 1969 and 1972 tested the effects of fumigation along the rows with different amounts of D-D or Telone applied either two weeks before sowing or immediately before sowing, application of the systemic nematicide aldicarb (Temik) in the furrow with the seed during sowing, and top-dressing with nitrogen. Seedling establishment was often decreased by fumigation immediately before sowing, especially when followed by excessive rainfall, but only rarely by earlier fumigation or by aldicarb; differences in numbers of roots harvested were smaller because hand-singling removed excess seedlings. There was usually little difference between the yield increases given by the most effective treatments, which were aldicarb at 1·12 kg active ingredient/ha and 2·2–6·6 ml D-D or Telone/m of row at either time of application. Nitrogen top-dressing never affected sugar yield significantly. Longidorus spp. and Trichodorus spp. were both controlled well in the fumigated row but much less well at 13 cm, and not at all at 25 cm from the row (i.e. mid-way between two treated rows).     

A STUDY OF THE DIFFUSIBLE FACTOR RELEASED BY THE JELLY OF THE EGG OF THE TOAD, BUFO ARENARUM

Some properties of an essential factor for fertilization released from the oocyte strings of the toad, Bufo arenarum were studied. All the experiments were carried out with a partially purified preparation of this diffusible factor, and the general procedure consisted in assaying under different conditions its capacity to recover the fertilizability of oocytes previously deprived of this active substance. Using this procedure, a test was devised for estimating the diffusible factor activity.
As regards the mechanism of action of this fertilization factor the data reported here are not consistent with the previous assumption that the factor plays its role in fertilization through a simple pH rise of the inseminating medium.
Treatment of the gametes with the diffusible factor before insemination proved to be ineffective to promote fertilization; the factor must be present at the very moment of insemination.     

Stigma Constriction in Pearl Millet, a Factor Influencing Reproduction and Disease

The sequence of events during pollination in pearl millet isdescribed. Four or five hours after pollination with compatiblepollen a constriction region located in the fused stylodia,consisting of a collar of parenchymatous cells, becomes apparent.The structural integrity of the constriction region is lostwithin 6 h of pollination, thereby eventually isolating theovary from other pollen and also from ovary pathogens whichnormally enter throught the stigma. The constriction developsin unpollinated gynoecia 4–5 d after stigma emergence,thereby contributing to out-crossing in the protogynous commercialhybrid commonly grown in the semi-arid tropics. The potentialsignificance of a stigma constriction character in a wider botanicalcontext is discussed, particularly as it is a hitherto unrecognizedincompatibility barrier. Pennisetum americanum (L.), pearl millet, Sorghum bicolor (L.), sorghum, pollination, stigma constriction, ergot, protogyny, incompatibility barrier     

Effects of net blotch on growth and yield of spring barley

The effect of net blotch on the growth and yield of cv. Beatrice spring barley was examined in a greenhouse experiment. Separate inoculations at growth stages 21 and 34 reduced green leaf area, root weight, leaf sheath and stem weight and tiller number. The early inoculated plants, which responded and recovered more rapidly than later treated ones, suffered a loss in grain yield and this was related to the amount of disease, the loss in green leaf area and the reduction in unit leaf rate.