Plagiarism Detection Policy

All manuscripts submitted to Viterra: Agricultural, Biological and Natural Sciences undergo mandatory originality verification and similarity screening as an integral part of the editorial process, prior to peer review and, where appropriate, at subsequent stages of the publication process.

The journal uses specialised similarity detection software (such as Turnitin, iThenticate, or equivalent systems) as technical support for editorial assessment. Similarity reports generated by these systems do not, by themselves, constitute an automatic criterion for acceptance or rejection. Instead, they are carefully examined by the editorial team through an academic evaluation that considers the context, nature, extent, and location of the identified similarities.

Interpretation of Similarity Indexes

Similarity percentages are interpreted as guidance and assessed within their academic context according to the following general criteria:

Similarity index up to 15%

Generally considered acceptable, provided that the identified similarities correspond to properly cited quotations, bibliographic references, standard methodological descriptions, or commonly used scientific and technical terminology.

Similarity index between 16% and 25%

Requires detailed editorial assessment. Authors may be requested to revise the manuscript, strengthen paraphrasing, improve citation practices, or reduce unnecessary similarities before the editorial process continues.

Similarity index between 26% and 40%

Considered potentially problematic. Depending on the extent, significance, and location of the overlapping content, the manuscript may be returned for substantial revision or rejected.

Similarity index above 40%

Considered unacceptable and may indicate plagiarism or redundant publication. In such cases, the manuscript will be rejected without proceeding to peer review. If this situation is identified after publication, the article may be subject to a correction, an expression of concern, or retraction, as appropriate.

Unacceptable Practices

Regardless of the overall similarity percentage, a manuscript may be rejected if any of the following practices are identified:

  • Reproduction of text, ideas, data, tables, figures, or images without proper attribution.

  • Plagiarism in substantial sections of the manuscript, including the methodology, results, discussion, or conclusions.

  • Self-plagiarism or redundant publication without appropriate citation or explicit editorial justification.

  • Inappropriate use of previously published material under incompatible licensing conditions.

  • Inappropriate fragmentation of research findings for the purpose of generating multiple publications (salami slicing).

Procedure in Cases of Suspected Plagiarism

When plagiarism, self-plagiarism, or redundant publication is suspected, the editorial team will:

  • Assess the severity, extent, and context of the case.

  • Request, where appropriate, a formal explanation from the corresponding author.

  • Take the appropriate editorial actions, which may include:

    • Requesting revisions or corrections.

    • Rejecting the manuscript.

    • Issuing corrections, expressions of concern, or retractions.

    • Notifying the authors' affiliated institutions in cases of serious misconduct.

All editorial decisions will be made in accordance with the guidelines of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and internationally recognised standards of research integrity and scholarly publishing.

Originality Statement

By submitting a manuscript to Viterra: Agricultural, Biological and Natural Sciences, authors declare and guarantee that the submitted work is original, that all sources have been properly acknowledged, and that the manuscript fully complies with this Plagiarism and Similarity Detection Policy. Failure to comply with these requirements constitutes a breach of publication ethics and may result in the corresponding editorial actions.