Dear Dr. El-Shabasy,

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PLOS ONE

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Additional Editor Comments (if provided):

[Note: HTML markup is below. Please do not edit.]

Reviewers' comments:

Reviewer's Responses to Questions

Comments to the Author

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

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??>

The PLOS Data policy

Reviewer #1: Yes

Reviewer #2: Yes

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

Reviewer #1: Yes

Reviewer #2: No

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Reviewer #1: The data support the conclusion, the statistical analysis has been performed appropriately and rigorously, the authors made all data underlying the findings in their manuscript fully available , the manuscript presented in an intelligible fashion and written in standard English, The abstract must be include more results ,the materials should be abbreviation ,in abstract ,you must write full scientific name ,and in rest text you can abbreviation the genus name ,in results don't write the scientific name in wrong methods ,all comments was written in the text

Reviewer #2: Reviewer Report

Journal: POLS Journal

Manuscript Title: Chemotaxonomic and Morphological Delimitation of Selected Euphorbia Species from Jazan Region, Saudi Arabia

Reviewer: Dr. Amir Shahbaz

Date: June 25, 2025

General Assessment

The manuscript presents an integrative study on the classification of four Euphorbia species using both traditional morphological and modern chemotaxonomic approaches. The authors employed quantitative phytochemical analyses (including HPLC profiling of phenolics and flavonoids) and morphological scoring to assess interspecific relationships. The research topic is timely and relevant, particularly for floristic, taxonomic, and phytochemical studies within arid regions.

Major Revisions Needed

1. Language and Grammar: The manuscript needs thorough English language editing by a native or fluent scientific editor.

2. . Scientific Terminology: Replace vague or incorrect terms with standardized scientific terminology.

3. Data Presentation: Improve table formatting and figure resolution; ensure clarity in HPLC chromatograms.

4. Introduction and Background: Improve paragraph transitions and clearly state the rationale for species selection.

5. Conclusion: Revise to avoid generalizations and ensure scientific clarity.

Minor Points

� Ensure species names are italicized throughout.

� Correct and standardize reference formatting.

� Improve phenogram resolution and labeling.

� Clarify methodology in scoring matrix.

Recommendation

Major Revision Required - The manuscript offers valuable taxonomic insights but needs substantial revision in language, terminology, and presentation before it can be considered for publication.

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what does this mean? ). If published, this will include your full peer review and any attached files.

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Reviewer #1: Yes:  Professor Dr.Rana Hashim Aloush

Reviewer #2: No

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Attachments

Attachment

Submitted filename: PONE-D-25-25839 (1).pdf

Attachment

Submitted filename: final report.docx

Morphological and chemotaxonomical characterization of some species of the genus Euphorbia L. in Jazan region, KSA

PONE-D-25-25839R1

Dear Dr. Ahmed El-Shabasy,

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.

Within one week, you’ll receive an e-mail detailing the required amendments. When these have been addressed, you’ll receive a formal acceptance letter and your manuscript will be scheduled for publication.

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Kind regards,

Waqas Khan Kayani, PhD

Academic Editor

PLOS ONE

Additional Editor Comments (optional):

Reviewers' comments:

Reviewer's Responses to Questions

Comments to the Author

Reviewer #2: All comments have been addressed

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

Reviewer #2: Yes

**********

3. Has the statistical analysis been performed appropriately and rigorously? -->?>

Reviewer #2: Yes

**********

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

The PLOS Data policy

Reviewer #2: Yes

**********

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

Reviewer #2: Yes

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Reviewer #2: In my initial review, I recommended major revisions to improve the clarity, methodological rigor, and overall presentation of the manuscript. The authors have carefully addressed all the raised concerns and incorporated the suggested changes in the revised version.

The revised manuscript is now significantly improved in terms of scientific content, organization, and readability. The responses provided by the authors were satisfactory, and the additional analyses/clarifications strengthened the overall quality of the work.

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what does this mean? ). If published, this will include your full peer review and any attached files.

If you choose “no”, your identity will remain anonymous but your review may still be made public.

Do you want your identity to be public for this peer review? For information about this choice, including consent withdrawal, please see our Privacy Policy

Reviewer #2: No

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