Declaration of Generative AI Use

Authors preparing a manuscript for Plantae Protecta may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to support their work. However, these tools must never replace human critical thinking, expertise and evaluation, and must always be used under human oversight and control. Plantae Protecta has therefore adopted the following policy on the use of generative AI and AI-assisted technologies in manuscript preparation, peer review and editorial work, consistent with the guidance of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ).

1. Transparency and Disclosure

Authors must disclose any use of generative AI or AI-assisted tools (e.g. ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot, Claude, Grammarly) in the preparation of the manuscript. The disclosure must appear in a dedicated section titled “Declaration of Generative AI Use”, placed after the Conclusions and before the References, and must state:

  • the tool(s) used;
  • the purpose of use (e.g. language editing, coding assistance, figure enhancement);
  • the scope and extent of the assistance.

Template: “During the preparation of this work, the author(s) used [NAME OF TOOL(S)] to [SPECIFIC PURPOSE]. After using this tool/service, the author(s) reviewed and edited the content as needed and take full responsibility for the content of the published article.”

If no AI tools were used, authors must state: “The authors declare that no generative AI or AI-assisted technologies were used in the preparation of this manuscript.”

Undisclosed use of AI tools is considered a breach of publication ethics.

2. AI Cannot Be an Author or a Source

Generative AI tools cannot be listed as authors, co-authors, contributors or corresponding authors, because authorship requires accountability that AI tools cannot provide. Generative AI cannot be cited as a source of information.

3. Responsibility and Accountability

Authors bear full responsibility for:

  • the accuracy and validity of all content produced with or assisted by AI;
  • checking for errors, fabricated information, incorrect or non-existent citations, and biased outputs;
  • ensuring that text, data, figures or code produced with AI assistance do not infringe copyright or ethical standards.

4. Permitted and Prohibited Uses

AI tools may be used for:

  • grammar correction and language refinement;
  • drafting text that is subsequently and substantially revised by the authors;
  • coding or data-analysis assistance, provided the authors retain full control and verify all results;
  • improving image clarity, brightness or contrast, provided no scientific information is altered.

AI tools must not be used for:

  • generating, altering or manipulating research data, experimental results or statistical outcomes;
  • fabricating citations or literature summaries;
  • producing or altering images or figures in ways that misrepresent scientific findings;
  • writing substantial sections of the manuscript without genuine intellectual contribution and revision by the authors.

5. AI Use by Reviewers and Editors

Reviewers and editors must not upload any part of a confidential manuscript to generative AI tools, and must not use AI to analyse, summarise or produce their assessment of a manuscript or a recommendation on its suitability for publication. Using AI solely to improve the language of one’s own review report is acceptable if it is disclosed to the editor.

6. Use of Automated Tools by the Journal

The journal uses similarity-checking software as part of its editorial screening. The results of any automated tool are always verified by an editor before a decision is made (human in the loop).

7. Consequences of Misuse

Misuse of AI tools, including generating false data, misrepresenting findings or failing to disclose AI use, may result in rejection of the manuscript, retraction after publication, notification of the authors’ institution and restrictions on future submissions, in accordance with COPE guidelines.