Nature launches first self-branded journal in four years

Share this on social media:

Nature has today launched its first new self-branded journal for four years: Nature Plants.

The publisher says it is the first journal in the field to focus on excellence in research across the plant sciences, and serves researchers interested in better understanding the plant kingdom – whether their primary focus is on genetics, development, disease resistance, metabolism, agronomy, or economics.
 
Publishing outstanding studies from across pure and applied plant sciences, including molecular and cell biology, genetics, agriculture, ecology and biotechnology, the online journal is aimed at exploring the societal and political impacts of cutting-edge plant research.
 
Highlights in the first issue include: research into the origin and evolution of maize in the south west of the United States; a study of Gloger’s rule (which describes how the colouring of animals darkens the closer to the equator they live) in the context of floral pigmentation; and a discussion of the implications of genome editing techniques on the legislation and licencing of genetically modified organisms.
 
'The global significance of plants cannot be overstated,' says chief editor Chris Surridge. 'They provide many of the raw materials for every human endeavour in the form of food, clothing, energy, shelter and the complex chemicals on which our modern world is based.

'Nature Plants is committed to publishing primary research from across the full range of scientific studies of plants – both the basic and applied – as well as investigations into the relationship between humanity and the plant kingdom. In so doing, Nature Plants will provide a fully rounded picture of the most accomplished and significant advances in the plant sciences."

Nature Plants also has a keen interest in translational research that helps create a path to a sustainable future by addressing today's most pressing global challenges: food security, water and land use efficiency, energy sufficiency and climate change.