PONE-D-21-31910A novel binary pesticidal protein from Chryseobacterium arthrosphaerae controls Diabrotica virgifera virgifera via a different mode of action to existing commercial pesticidal proteinsPLOS ONE

Dear Dr. Sallaud,

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Sengottayan Senthil-Nathan, Ph D

Academic Editor

PLOS ONE

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The project was supported by the SEMAE “French Interprofessional Organization for Seeds and Plants” former GNIS association under the call named “Fond Diabrotica”. 

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RJ, VG, ST, AP, AMH, ZS, EB, MB, LB, PC, DV, WA, CA, FT, WP, TH, BH, ST, CS 

Grant number = “Fond Diabrotica" 

Funder = French Interprofessional Organization for Seeds and Plants” former GNIS association under the call named

URL of the funder = https://www.gnis.fr/

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Additional Editor Comments:

Minor revision is requested

Points to be consider:

In brief: A complete check for formatting and typographic errors must be done. I can’t understand several points because of language barrier.

Specific points:

Abstract needs to be modified to deliver a proper meaning.

Introduction

A clear picture of resistance and advantage of bio-insecticide should be provided.

At least refer following documents (10.3389/fphys.2019.01591, 10.1016/j.envint.2017.12.038, 10.3390/molecules26123695, 10.1016/j.aquatox.2020.105474)

I’m not convinced with method. Please prove detailed methodology for each experiment.

A proper explanation of obtained results with appropriate citations indicating all the results shall be included in the discussion

Complete update of citations throughout from introduction to discussion is needed.

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Reviewers' comments:

Reviewer's Responses to Questions

Comments to the Author

1. Is the manuscript technically sound, and do the data support the conclusions?

The manuscript must describe a technically sound piece of scientific research with data that supports the conclusions. Experiments must have been conducted rigorously, with appropriate controls, replication, and sample sizes. The conclusions must be drawn appropriately based on the data presented.

Reviewer #1: Yes

Reviewer #2: Yes

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2. Has the statistical analysis been performed appropriately and rigorously?

Reviewer #1: Yes

Reviewer #2: Yes

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3. Have the authors made all data underlying the findings in their manuscript fully available?

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Reviewer #1: Yes

Reviewer #2: Yes

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4. Is the manuscript presented in an intelligible fashion and written in standard English?

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Reviewer #1: Yes

Reviewer #2: Yes

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5. Review Comments to the Author

Please use the space provided to explain your answers to the questions above. You may also include additional comments for the author, including concerns about dual publication, research ethics, or publication ethics. (Please upload your review as an attachment if it exceeds 20,000 characters)

Reviewer #1: In this study, the effect of GDI0005A and GDI0006A recombinant proteins on the Western Corn Rootworm (WCR) was investigated. The results showed that these proteins showed good insecticidal activity against the larvae of WCR. This reviewers thinks that the experiment is well design and properly executed . The manuscript is well written, especially for a person without a strong background in molecular biology. Hence it can reach general readers of PlosOne .This reviewer believes, this manuscript it fits for PlosOne after some minor revisions (below).

1. Brief introduction why this strain was selected could be included in the introduction.

2. Despite the method is clear, it is not clear how and why the binary toxins (GDI0005A and GDI0006A) were detected at the first place as candidate of the novel toxin? From the genome?

3. Predicted protein sequences were annotated based on homology to sequences in public databases. Provide details what public databases that are used in this study.

4. Reference for the bioinformatics tools (not only links to their gihub) i.e. SPADES and Prodigal will be appreciated.

5. Why after scoring, the experimental plates were placed in a -80˚C freezer prior calculating the total weights?

Reviewer #2: The manuscript entitled A novel binary pesticidal protein from Chryseobacterium arthrosphaerae controls

Diabrotica virgifera virgifera via a different mode of action to existing commercial

pesticidal proteins..”is a result of planned research. In general, the paper is well written, concise and the subject is interesting.

Manuscript contains significant information to justify publication. Some minor corrections need to be performed to improve the paper.

Comments:

1. Proof read the entire manuscript for typographical errors and fix all grammatical errors. In case extensive revision of the English language has been recommended.

2. The manuscript title is not particularly appropriate and needs to be revised in terms of grammar.

3. Please revise the abstract. The abstract should contain a summary of the results and should exclude the irrelevant content. The abstract must provide enough information that will allow a reader to understand the key findings of the research.

4. Latest references are missing in the entire manuscript; following are few latest references suggested, can be used in material method and discussion section.

5. Introduction section should be clear with research gaps and how the present work going to contribute in advanced scientific research

6. Author can cite the related articles on pyrethroids such as doi: 10.1007/s13205-016-0372-3;DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8020223;https://doi.org/10.1007/s13205-016-0541-4;doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2019.01778

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Reviewer #1: No

Reviewer #2: Yes: Pankaj Bhatt

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A novel binary pesticidal protein from Chryseobacterium arthrosphaerae controls western corn rootworm by a different mode of action to existing commercial pesticidal proteins

PONE-D-21-31910R1

Dear Dr. Sallaud,

We’re pleased to inform you that your manuscript has been judged scientifically suitable for publication and will be formally accepted for publication once it meets all outstanding technical requirements.

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Kind regards,

Sengottayan Senthil-Nathan, Ph D

Academic Editor

PLOS ONE

Additional Editor Comments (optional):

The manuscript can be accepted now

Reviewers' comments: