Writing Rules: Manuscript Preparation
Vat-Vriksha requests all authors to strictly adhere to the following manuscript preparation guidelines before submission. Manuscripts that do not comply with these instructions may be returned to the authors without being sent for peer review.
1. Language and Style
Manuscripts should be submitted in English. At Vat-Vriksha, we are committed to promoting scholarly communication in both English and Hindi, in alignment with our mission to support and encourage the use of regional languages in science.
All submitted manuscripts must include an abstract written in English along with its accurate Hindi translation. This bilingual abstract requirement is intended to enhance accessibility and inclusivity for a diverse readership. Authors are requested to ensure that the Hindi abstract faithfully maintains the scientific accuracy, terminology, and intent of the English version. Submissions lacking either version may be returned for revision prior to peer review.
Language throughout the manuscript should be clear, scholarly, and free from grammatical or typographical errors. Authors are expected to use an academic tone appropriate for publications in life sciences, biodiversity, and ethnobiology.
2. Manuscript Structure
Research Articles should be organized under the following headings: Title, Author(s), Abstract (150–250 words), Keywords, Introduction, Materials and Methods, Results and Discussion, Conclusion, References, Tables, Figures, Acknowledgements, Conflict of Interest, and Funding.
Review Articles should include: Title, Author(s), Abstract, Keywords, well-defined thematic sections based on the topic, Future Directions, Conclusion, and References.
Short Communications should contain: Title, Author(s), Abstract, Keywords, a brief Introduction, Methodology, Key Findings, Short Discussion, and References.
Letters to the Editor should include: Title, Author(s), correspondence text, and key references, if applicable.
3. Formatting Specifications
Manuscripts must be submitted in .doc or .docx format using Times New Roman font, size 12 pt, with 1.5 line spacing. Margins should be set to 1 inch on all sides, text should be justified, and page numbers must appear at the bottom center of each page.
4. Tables and Figures
Tables must be editable and placed either immediately after their first citation in the text or at the end of the manuscript. Figures should be submitted in .PNG, .JPEG, or .TIFF format with a minimum resolution of 300 dpi. Each table and figure must include a clear caption and be cited appropriately within the text.
5. References
References should be formatted consistently using either the APA or Vancouver citation style. Authors are encouraged to cite peer-reviewed sources and include valid DOIs or URLs wherever applicable.
6. Data Integrity and Ethics
Authors must ensure the originality of their work and provide proper citations. Where applicable, ethical approval, informed consent, and data availability statements must be clearly mentioned. The similarity index of the manuscript should be below 15%, preferably checked using Turnitin or iThenticate.
7. Supplementary Files
Supplementary materials such as datasets, questionnaires, or additional appendices may be submitted separately. These should be clearly referenced within the main manuscript text.
8. Submission Portal
Manuscripts must be submitted through the official submission link provided on the journal website.
9. After Acceptance
Accepted manuscripts will be assigned a Digital Object Identifier (DOI). Authors will be required to submit a signed Author Declaration Form, review proof corrections if any, and complete the Article Processing / Registration Fee (ARF) formalities prior to publication.