Tables and Figures

The quality and presentation of tables, figures, references, and supplementary files play an important role in communicating research findings effectively. Authors should prepare these materials carefully to improve the readability and scientific value of their manuscripts.

 

1. Tables

Tables should present data clearly and concisely. They should complement the text rather than duplicate information already described in the manuscript.

Each table should be placed after the References or uploaded as a separate editable file during submission.

General Instructions

·         Number tables consecutively using Arabic numerals (Table 1, Table 2, etc.).

·         Cite every table in the text in numerical order.

·         Provide a brief, informative title above each table.

·         Use Microsoft Word table formatting (do not insert tables as images).

·         Keep tables as simple as possible.

·         Use horizontal lines only where necessary. Avoid excessive vertical lines.

·         Explain all abbreviations and symbols in table footnotes.

·         Ensure that values, units, and decimal places are consistent throughout the manuscript.

Table Footnotes

Use superscript lowercase letters (a, b, c, etc.) for explanatory notes.

Statistical significance may be indicated using symbols such as:

·         P < 0.05

·         P < 0.01

·         P < 0.001

Ensure that statistical symbols are explained below the table.

 

2. Figures

Figures should present scientific information clearly, accurately, and effectively. They should complement the text and must be of sufficient quality for peer review and publication.

Figures should clearly illustrate the research findings and be of publication quality.

Figures include:

·         Graphs

·         Charts

·         Photographs

·         Diagrams

·         Maps

·         Microscopic images

·         Flow charts

·         Illustrations

 

General Instructions

·         Number figures consecutively (Figure 1, Figure 2, etc.).

·         Cite figures in numerical order within the text.

·         Each figure must have a descriptive caption.

·         Keep lettering clear and readable.

·         Maintain consistent font size throughout all figures.

·         Avoid unnecessary decorative effects or background colors.

·         Use professional-quality graphics.

 

3. Figure Preparation

 

Figure Quality

Figures should have a minimum resolution of:

Figure Type	Minimum Resolution
Photographs	300 dpi
Colour Images	300 dpi
Line Drawings	600 dpi
Combination Figures	600 dpi

Low-quality figures may delay publication.

Accepted Figure Formats

Preferred file formats include:

·         TIFF (.tif)

·         PNG (.png)

·         JPEG (.jpg)

·         EPS (.eps)

·         PDF (high quality)

Do not submit figures copied directly from PowerPoint or screenshots.

Figure Labels

Axes, legends, symbols, and labels should be clear and large enough to remain readable after publication.

Always include measurement units where applicable.

Example:

·         Plant Height (cm)

·         Chlorophyll Content (SPAD Units)

·         Relative Water Content (%)

Multi-Panel Figures

When a figure contains multiple panels, label each panel clearly using uppercase letters.

Example:

Figure 3

(A)

(B)

(C)

Refer to the panels in the text as:

"Figure 3A"

"Figure 3B"

Figure Captions

Each figure should have a concise caption placed below the figure.

A good caption should briefly explain:

·         What is shown

·         Experimental conditions (if needed)

·         Definitions of abbreviations

·         Statistical information where appropriate

Example:

Figure 2. Effect of drought stress on shoot biomass of six wheat genotypes after 21 days of treatment. Error bars represent standard error of the mean (n = 4).

 

Colour Figures

Colour figures are encouraged when they improve scientific understanding.

Choose colours that remain distinguishable when printed in grayscale.

Avoid using colour alone to distinguish treatments whenever possible.

 

Image Integrity

Images must accurately represent the original data.

The following practices are not acceptable:

·         Adding or removing objects

·         Selective enhancement

·         Manipulating bands in gels or blots

·         Misleading image editing

·         Combining unrelated images without clear indication

Brightness or contrast adjustments are acceptable only if they do not alter scientific interpretation.

Authors may be asked to provide original image files during editorial evaluation.

 

Equations

Equations should be created using the Microsoft Equation Editor or MathType.

Do not submit equations as images.

Number equations consecutively when referenced in the text.

Example:

·         (1)

·         (2)

Variables should be defined immediately after the equation when first introduced

 

4. Supplementary Material

Supplementary material may be submitted when additional data, methods, tables, figures, datasets, or other files support the article but are not essential to the main text.

Supplementary files should be clearly named (for example, Supplementary_Table_S1.xlsx or Supplementary_Figure_S1.tif), cited in the manuscript in numerical order, and accompanied by a brief descriptive title or legend.

Authors should submit supplementary material in commonly accessible file formats. Supplementary files may be published substantially as supplied by the authors; therefore, authors are responsible for their accuracy, clarity, and completeness.