Original Articles (research papers) describing original research should address problems cited in the scope of the journal. They should contain a novel and well formulated hypothesis, a sound experimental approach, results that confirm or reject the hypothesis and they should offer novel insight into the existing body of knowledge. Research papers should not exceed twenty pages of printed text, including tables, figures and references (one page of printed text = approximately 600 words). Please use the following order: Introduction, Material and Methods, Results, Discussion, Acknowlegdements, References. Do not combine the Results and Discussion section.

The topic of a review must be an important aspect of the field and a well-defined issue.

In your review you should discuss the approaches, limitations, and conclusions of past reviews, trying to find a new angle that has not been covered adequately in the previous reviews, and incorporate new material that has accumulated since their appearance. Be up-to-date, but do not forget older studies.

A review does not just summarize the literature, but discusses it critically, identifies methodological problems, and points out research gaps. After having read a review of the literature, a reader should have a rough idea of the major achievements in the reviewed field, the main areas of debate, and the outstanding research questions.

The Short communication format is intended for presentation of important observations that can be clearly described in an abbreviated format. For example, molecular data useful for typing pathogens or the first report of preliminary data would be suitable for this section.

Short descriptions of upcoming pathogens and pest organisms, modes of action of plant protection actives in plant– pathogen interactions can also be presented in the Short communication format.

Short communications should contain firm data, should clearly distinguish between Results and the Discussion section, and will be refereed. A Short communication should not exceed six printed pages in total. Please use the following order: Abstract, Introduction, Material and Methods, Results, Discussion, Acknowledgements, References

It reports original and personal points of view on a given subject. Authors should outline and craft selected arguments by bringing original and groundbreaking ideas and imaginative research solutions.

The proposed structure of an opinion paper is:

• introduction to topic;

• presentation of innovative and original hypotheses, and discussion of published data;

• analysis of the impact of the proposed hypotheses and of the target audience.

Opinion papers should be based on published data, and should not expand on opinions by others, and should be written in a logical, professionally sound and convincing way. The structure may vary slightly but each paragraph should develop a single item. The length of an opinion paper should not exceed 10 pages of printed text, including  figures,  tables, and references.

A short contribution focusing on a controversially debated topic (or several closely related issues) that contrasts different perspectives on this specific theme. It should clearly define the target topic and should also point out possible actions and/or alternative approaches. Thus a perspectives paper can also be a conference report that summarizes different points of view on the target topic presented and debated at the conference and could outline potential syntheses and new prospects arising out of the discussion. It should include central literature references in regard to the topic.

The length of the contribution should not exceed a maximum of 10 typed pages (Times New Roman 12 pt font, double spaced) including figures, tables, and references and information sources. Citation of official statistics, events (e.g., special symposia, conferences) and outcome from international organizations working in the field are highly welcome.

The proposed structure of a Perspectives paper is:

• the problem faced and its relevance

• a brief state-of-the-art summary of the different perspectives including citations

• proposed solutions to the problem

Individuals or representatives of organizations directly cited in Perspectives papers have the right to respond with an opinion paper or comment in order to rectify affirmations or to refute eventual misinterpretations of concepts.

Meta-analyses in the sense of this journal are compilations of previously published scientific research studies, preferentially from peer reviewed journals. In the analysis, their data are processed, statistically treated, and finally reported as a quantitative systematic review.

A meta-analysis includes typically:

a)       definition of the objective of the meta-analysis and of the response variable to be estimated from the data,

b)      systematic review of the literature and/or of the dataset reporting values of the response variable,

c)       analysis of data quality (i.e., quality of experimental design and measurement techniques, precision of the response variable),

d)      assessment of between-study variability and heterogeneity, publication biases

e)      presentation of the results and of the level of uncertainty.

f)        discussion of the meta-analysis

Meta-analyses should not exceed twenty pages of printed text, including tables, figures and references (one page of printed text = approximately 600 words). Please use the following order: Introduction, Material and Methods, Results, Discussion, Acknowledgements, References. Please distinguish clearly between the  Results and Discussion sections.