A critical analysis of plant science literature reveals ongoing inequities

Abstract

The field of plant science has grown dramatically in the past two decades, but global disparities and systemic inequalities persist. Here, we analyzed ~300,000 papers published over the past two decades to quantify disparities across nations, genders, and taxonomy in the plant science literature. Our analyses reveal striking geographical biases—affluent nations dominate the publishing landscape and vast areas of the globe have virtually no footprint in the literature. Authors in Northern America are cited nearly twice as many times as authors based in Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America, despite publishing in journals with similar impact factors. Gender imbalances are similarly stark and show remarkably little improvement over time. Some of the most affluent nations have extremely male biased publication records, despite supposed improvements in gender equality. In addition, we find that most studies focus on economically important crop and model species, and a wealth of biodiversity is underrepresented in the literature. Taken together, our analyses reveal a problematic system of publication, with persistent imbalances that poorly capture the global wealth of scientific knowledge and biological diversity. We conclude by highlighting disparities that can be addressed immediately and offer suggestions for long-term solutions to improve equity in the plant sciences.

The demographic history of the wild crop relativeBrachypodium distachyonis shaped by distinct past and present ecological niches

“…Despite the pressing need for new model species (Marks et al 2023), research on the genetic bases and molecular characterization of local adaptation in plants is still dominated by A. thaliana (for review Provart et al 2016; Woodward and Bartel 2018, Takou et al 2019). The A. thaliana 1001 genomes project, combined with decades of functional studies, has indeed produced an unmatched wealth of knowledge about the processes of adaptation and evolution in plants (e.g.…”

Genetically-clustered antifungal phytocytokines and receptor proteins function together to trigger plant immune signaling

“…The 19 LRR-RPs characterized as immune receptors so far belong to only three plant families: Solanaceae (12), Brassicaceae (6), and Fabaceae (1) (Snoeck et al ., 2023). Though poplar and willow are considered as model trees, they lack strong reverse genetic tools and remain underinvestigated compared with annual models (Marks et al ., 2023). For instance, rapid transient expression assays are still lacking and cannot be systematically applied.…”

Building an inclusive botany: The “radicle” dream

“…This approach of collecting plants in foreign countries without engaging, acknowledging, or collaborating with local researchers is often referred to as “parachute science,” which Marks et al (2021) argued is rooted in historical and ongoing colonialism. Along with international agreements like the Nagoya Protocol, the authors suggest—and we agree—that as a community, we need to work together to ensure that ethical approaches are taken so that in‐country peoples are given a voice, participation, access to resources and data, and sovereignty at every level (Marks et al, 2023; McCartney et al, 2022).…”