Experimental, theoretical and applied papers on all aspects of plant (including algae) and fungi biology are welcome. The submitted manuscript or its essential content must not have been published previously or be under consideration for publication elsewhere. Contributions should be substantial, written in high-quality English and show general interest. We expect that the submitted manuscript presents a great novelty in Botany, and this should attract a wide audience. Considering this, case studies are only considered if the narrative and implications are provided to be of general interest. Thus, manuscripts that report aspects of local interest are discouraged unless the implications of the findings are wide-reaching. Manuscripts with agronomic subjects are expected to contain a substantial amount of basic plant biology. Essentially descriptive manuscripts are strongly discouraged. Please see below some details for specific area.

Algae, cyanobacteria and fungi

Acta Botanica Brasilica considers studies on algae and cyanobacteria and all aspects of fungi and lichens. The main topics covered are biochemistry, cell and molecular biology, ecology (mainly interactions like mycorrhizas and endophytes), evolution, physiology and taxonomy. Hypothesis-driven papers and studies based on an interdisciplinary research are encouraged. The journal also welcome studies related to the development and test of new methodologies and those studies on practical themes, whose results are applicable, for example, in aquaculture or in environmental management and conservation. The manuscripts purely descriptive, such as those focused on species lists, are discouraged.

Ecology

We welcome manuscripts spanning all ecological levels, from individuals to ecosystems. Experimental and observational studies with ecological basis/background of fungi, algae, and plant taxa from all biogeographic regions will be considered for publication. Interaction studies should be focused on the plants point of view. We encourage the submission of hypothesis-driven manuscripts that advance ecological knowledge, rather than submissions that describe particular cases that are too geographically or taxonomically-focused.  Studies dealing with species conservation, management and restoration will also be considered for publication. Please define clearly the ecological context of the study, questions/hypotheses, scope and statistical methods reasoning, and advances obtained.

Ethnobotany

By recognizing ethnobotany as an area of interface between different fields of study, we welcome the submission of manuscripts where the botanical component is clearly present. Whenever appropriate, manuscripts should present information regarding prior informed consent and the procedures related to the access to the traditional knowledge associated with biodiversity. Essentially descriptive and regional studies will not be accepted, such as lists of useful species. We strongly recommend manuscripts with a clear theoretical framework and with innovative combinations of qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Ethnbotany and useful plant conservation are covered, but studies linked with medical ethnopharmacology are out of our scope.

Plant Physiology

Acta Botanica Brasilica publishes manuscripts concerning plant physiological studies related to aspects of germination, growth and development, plant nutrition, plant water relations, plant molecular biology, plant metabolism and biochemistry, ecophysiology, plant-environment and plant-biotic interactions. Merely descriptive studies or simply agricultural approaches without a substantial physiological mechanism, will not be considered for publication.

Plant Structure (morphology and anatomy)

Acta Botanica Brasilica publishes original contributions on all aspects of plant structure (morphology and anatomy), including cell biology and palynology. Innovative research on plant structure, including studies related to evolution, ontogenesis (morphogenesis and embryogenesis) and taxonomy are welcomed. Illustrations must be of high quality for manuscripts to be considered. Purely descriptive manuscripts are discouraged.

Taxonomy and Systematics

Acta Botanica Brasilica publishes original papers related to systematics, taxonomy, floristics, nomenclature and phytogeography, including theoretical papers and methodology, phylogeny, short monographs, revisions, history of botanical explorations, analyses of characters, phytogeographic studies, descriptions of new taxa and typification. Floras may be accepted provided they be of general interest and combine the results in an integrative way with other issues, such as taxonomy, conservation, ecology or biogeography.

Once another stage of the “Flora do Brasil 2020” project has been completed, Acta Botanica Brasilica will only consider flora works and/or taxonomic treatments that are more than synopses, compilations or partial analyzes. Manuscripts bringing news will be prioritized.