Publication Ethics & Guidelines     

The HortFlora Research Spectrum (HRS), a Peer Review- International Journal with NAAS Rating: 3.78, is published quarterly (March, June, September and December) every year in English language. It publishes high quality peer reviewed /refereed original research papers/review articles and research communications on all aspects of research & advances in Horticultural Sciences & its allied branches of plant science & technology.

• The scientific and researchers community believe that research must be conducted according to the full and appropriate ethical agenda, universally acceptable to the research community. Any issue associated to the publication ethics will be handled seriously at the Editorial Office and, if proven, Editorial/Executive Board reserves the right to reject the manuscript. If authors want to retract articles, they should inform the Editorial Office with a retraction letter explaining the reason. The journal HortFlora Research Spectrum accepts papers on intellectual and ethical standards basis only. The Editorial Office will also strictly monitor for plagiarism and obvious fraudulent data prior to the processing of the manuscript for review process and, if plagiarism is detected at this stage or latter, the manuscript will be rejected and will not be reconsidered for final publication of manuscript in concerned journal.
• The publication is generally open to all Scientists/Researchers/Students of concerned subjects. Publication of scientific contents is meticulous, methodical and comprehensive processes that involve good ethical and managemental practices. To effectively maintain high publication standards, HRS strives to work with editors, authors, peer-reviewers and copy editors.
• Submission of article is on the understanding that the article has not been previously published in any other form and is not under consideration for publication elsewhere. Except in the form of an abstract or as part of a published lecture or academic thesis. Also, the article should not be currently under consideration by another journal for publication.
• Manuscripts submitted to HRS are evaluated entirely on the basis of their scientific content.  All possible measures are taken to uphold the highest standards of publication ethics and to prevent malpractices. Authors who submit papers to HRS attest that their work is original and unpublished and is not under consideration for publication elsewhere. In addition, authors confirm that their paper is their own original work,  that has not been copied or plagiarized, in whole or in part, from other works and if the authors have used the works of others the same has been appropriately cited or quoted. 
• Authors are required to present an accurate account of the original research work and also an objective discussion of its significance. The paper should contain sufficient details of the literature and references. It is expected that all the authors have significantly contributed to the research. Fraudulent and knowingly made inaccurate statement constitutes unethical behavior and would be unacceptable.
• The corresponding author is required to ensure that all co-authors are included in the paper, and that the co-authors have seen and approved the final version of the paper and have agreed to its submission for publication. All sources of financial support should also be disclosed. Upon discovery of any significant error in the published work, it is the responsibility of the authors to promptly notify the editors and cooperate in the retraction or correction of the paper.
•  After successful submission of manuscript by author, the manuscript is first sent to the expert Reviewer who checks the subject contents, manuscript format as per journal's format, typographical mistakes and its suitability to publication etc. The editor is very much concerned with the data processing format and relevant details.  This time taken by initial reviewing process depends on the level of accuracy followed by author in compliance with the journal format. We strongly suggest author to go through carefully on the Instruction of Authors for each journal download the published.The article with comments (if any) by Reviewer/Referee  is  sent to author for further revision. After fulfilling comments by the Reviewer/Referee, author resend (upload) the manuscript to journal administrator. It is then automatically sent to subject experts editorial member whose responsibility is to thoroughly check the depth of the subject.  Article after necessary editing and upon satisfactory remarks from Reviewer/Editorial Board, the corresponding author receives acceptance letter.
• All manuscripts must be submitted in English. Manuscripts as per Journal's format are accepted only via E-mail/Online. Submitted manuscripts that do not conform to the HRS will be returned to authors for correction. Hard printed copy or CD of the manuscript will not be accepted.
• A unique Manuscript Number is assigned to each manuscript, which will be sent to the corresponding author along with acknowledgement letter of manuscript receiving from Editorial Office. Always quote/refer to the manuscript number in all correspondence/query or status of paper thereafter.
• All the author(s) of the article/paper must be Life/Annual subscriber of the Journal. Without membership of all the authors of an article/paper will not be entertained for final publication.
• Dully filled membership/subscription form (available at: www.hortflorajournal.com) along with prescribed fee contribution (as described in subscription portal of journal's home) must be submitted at time of submission/acceptance of manuscript.
• Non-refundable Membership/Subscription fee and/or Processing charges may be remitted in Cash or through crossed Demand Draft in favour of 'HortFlora Research Spectrum' payable at Meerut (U.P.) only.
• Authors/Subscribers from India only may also remit their membership/Subscription and other charges directly to Journal's A/c through RTGS/NEFT/e-Transaction.
• Overseas Authors/Subscribers must remit their Subscription/processing fee in US$ only though e-Transaction (Conversion of foreign currency must be made as per current rate).
• For direct A/c transfer (RTGS/NEFT/eTransaction) authors/subscribers may contact to Editorial Office via E-mail/Phone.
• Each Life/Annual/Instt. subscriber will be alloted a unique membership number for future reference.
• Author(s)/Contributor (s), who are already member/subscriber of the Journal, are requested to quote their Membership/fee receipt No. in covering letter of the manuscript to be submitted.
• Authors are also required to send a duly signed Declaration/Certificate about Manuscript (download from Journal's site).
• Author (s) are also required to send a Certificate of Originality of paper and No Objection (Download from Journal's site) duly signed by at least one Author (preferably corresponding author).
• The corresponding author must mention his/her present address with valid E-mail ID and telephone number for the earliest and effective communication.
• Acceptance of a manuscript for publication in 'HortFlora Research Spectrum' shall automatically mean transfer of Copyright to the Journal. Editorial Board has also right to format the article as per Journal's format accordingly.
• The published articles may be considered for withdrawal if proven to be plagiarized, presenting fake, duplicate or fraudulent data, or showing clear evidences of infringements of ethical codes. Such articles (html, pdf) will be replaced by the content stating the withdrawal of the manuscripts. Minor errors such as typos, textual changes, or clearer statements on the existing contents will be published as corrections.
• Publisher is committed to bridge all components of peer-review process for delivery of quality publications and benefiting researchers. HRS will ensure that all contents are confidential before publication, meeting standard of archiving and abstracting and timely publication of the accepted manuscripts.
• The Editorial Board has no responsibility for the statements, opinion or facts expressed in the article published in this journal, which rests entirely with the Author (s) thereof. All the correspondence/communication regarding Membership/Subscription and article submission should be in favour of Managing/Chief Editor, 'HortFlora Research Spectrum', 'Shivalay' 98A, Somdutt Vihar, Garh Road, Merut-250 004 (U.P.) India.
• For any query, you can reach us via email: hortfloraspectrum.india@gmail.com, editorhortflora.vku@gmail.com