Author Guide
Publication Scope
Seed Identification Guide ® (SIG) is a peer-reviewed, web-based, open access, virtual publication registered under the ISBN system with the registration number of ISBN 978-1-7753419-0-1. The scope of this publication is to provide high-quality data or information that will be used in seed identification for weeds, economically important crops or plant species, and wild plant species.
Authors may be an individual, team, or organization and are welcome to publish their studies, observations, and identification tools in the virtual book of Seed Identification Guide ® (SIG). The publication will be accepted in the format specified below:
- Seed identification fact sheets using the standard fact sheet template and its associated format, as well as ISMA’s imaging and data protocols
- Interactive identification keys or tools using a matrix computing program, such as Lucid
- Images, drawings, and illustrations to display or describe seed morphological features using ISMA’s imaging protocol
Authors are also required to use plain language in English, standard botanical terminology, and common feature descriptions using the provided shape, surface texture, and colour charts. Please see the detailed reference provided in Data Protocol.
ISMA also accepts training materials for seed identification to be published in audio, video, files, or interactive programs through invited, partnered, or sponsored projects.
Copyright
Upon acceptance of a publication, authors will be asked to complete an 'Exclusive License Agreement' where authors will retain copyright.
Submission
Submission to ISMA publications is totally online which will guide you in a stepwise manner through the creation and uploading of your files. The system automatically converts source files to a single PDF file for the proposed publication, which is used in the peer-review process. All correspondence, including notification of the Editor's decision and requests for revision, takes place by e-mail.
Please submit your seed identification fact sheet and/or images at Author Submission. If you want to publish your identification keys, please contact Editorial Board.
