The American Journal of Botany
Unraveling Nature's Green Mysteries From Past to Future
Introduction: More Than a Century of Plant Science Excellence
Since its establishment in 1914, the American Journal of Botany (AJB) has stood as a pillar of botanical knowledge, continuously publishing groundbreaking research that has shaped our understanding of plant biology.
This prestigious journal has not only witnessed but actively documented the most significant botanical discoveries of the past century, from the early investigations into plant hormones to today's cutting-edge genomic studies. As we navigate an era of unprecedented environmental change, the AJB's role in disseminating crucial plant science research has never been more vital 4 6 .
Scientific Publication
Living chronicle of botany's development as a discipline
Plant Research
From observational roots to predictive, interdisciplinary field
Global Challenges
Addressing humanity's most pressing environmental problems
The Past: Historical Roots and Foundational Research
The American Journal of Botany emerged from a growing need for specialized communication among plant scientists in North America. Established as the official publication of the Botanical Society of America (BSA), the journal published its first edition in February 1914 under the editorship of F. C. Newcombe from the University of Michigan 6 .
1914
First edition published as official publication of BSA
1930s
Documented transition from descriptive to experimental botany
1939
Thimann and Schneider's landmark paper on auxins published
Mid-20th Century
Published foundational research across botanical disciplines
Kenneth Thimann
Co-author of the landmark 1939 paper on auxins that helped establish structure-activity relationships in plant hormone research.
Charles Schneider
Collaborated with Thimann on the systematic comparison of growth-altering properties of several auxinic compounds.
The Present: AJB in the Modern Era
Current Structure and Scope
Today, the American Journal of Botany maintains its position as an internationally recognized, peer-reviewed journal that publishes articles across all areas of plant biology. The journal continues its monthly publication schedule under the editorship of Pamela Diggle from the University of Connecticut 2 4 .
Article Categories
- Primary Research Reports
- Review Articles
- Brief Communications
- Special Invited Papers
- Thematic Special Issues
Special Issues and Thematic Focus
A distinctive feature of AJB's contemporary identity is its commitment to publishing Special Issues that synthesize progress in rapidly advancing fields 1 .
Intimate Mutualisms
The Ecology, Genetics, and Coevolution of Intimate Mutualisms (2016)
Polyploidy
The Evolutionary Importance of Polyploidy (2016)
Next-Gen Sequencing
Methods and Applications of Next-Generation Sequencing in Botany (2012)
The Future: Emerging Directions and Challenges
As plant science enters an increasingly complex and technologically sophisticated era, AJB faces both opportunities and challenges in maintaining its position as a leading journal in the field.
The Plant Science Decadal Vision 2020-2030 outlines an ambitious roadmap for the discipline, emphasizing the need to "reimagine the potential of plants for a healthy and sustainable future" .
Emerging Research Directions
Plant Systems Ecology
Study of plant systems within their full ecological context, including interactions with microbes, fungi, insects, and other organisms.
Climate Change Adaptation
Understanding how plants respond and adapt to rapid environmental change, including climate change, habitat fragmentation, and emerging diseases.
Technological Innovations
In-Depth Look: A Key Experiment in Auxin Research
Historical Context and Methodology
The 1939 study by Kenneth Thimann and Charles Schneider, published in AJB, represents a landmark in plant hormone research 5 . Their experimental design employed two standard bioassays of the era: the Avena curvature test and the Pisum split stem test 5 .
Avena Curvature Test
Researchers placed agar blocks containing test compounds on one side of excised oat coleoptile tips and measured the ensuing curvature.
Pisum Split Stem Test
Involved splitting etiolated pea stems and measuring their degree of curvature after incubation in auxin solutions.
Results and Analysis
Thimann and Schneider's results revealed two significant patterns that challenged prevailing assumptions about auxin action 5 .
| Compound | Abbreviation | Relative Activity in Avena | Relative Activity in Pisum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indole-3-acetic acid | IAA | 1.00 | 1.00 |
| Indole-3-butyric acid | IBA | 0.80 | 0.51 |
| Naphthalene acetic acid | NAA | 1.67 | 2.08 |
| Indole-3-propionic acid | IPrA | 0.03 | 0.01 |
| Phenyl-acetic acid | PAA | 0.02 | 0.001 |
Legacy and Impact
Thimann and Schneider's 1939 study exemplifies the rigorous comparative approach that would become a hallmark of AJB publications. Their careful attention to experimental detail, thoughtful interpretation of results, and recognition of the study's limitations established a standard for excellence in plant science research 5 .
The Scientist's Toolkit: Research Reagent Solutions
Plant hormone research relies on a specialized set of tools and reagents that have evolved considerably since Thimann and Schneider's time. Modern studies of auxin and other plant growth regulators employ sophisticated techniques that span molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, and computational biology.
Bioassays
Modern variants of the Avena test include quantitative measurements of root growth inhibition 5 .
Analytical Chemistry
HPLC-MS allows precise quantification of auxin concentrations 3 .
Molecular Reporters
Genetically encoded sensors allow visualization of auxin distribution 3 .
Genome Editing
CRISPR-Cas9 enables targeted manipulation of auxin pathways 3 .
| Reagent/Method | Function | Modern Advances |
|---|---|---|
| Avena curvature test | Historical bioassay for auxin activity | Precursor to modern quantitative assays |
| HPLC-MS | Separation and quantification of auxins | Increased sensitivity allowing detection of minute quantities |
| GFP-labeled reporters | Visualize auxin distribution and response | Engineering of more stable and sensitive reporters |
| Mutant collections | Identify genes involved in auxin pathways | CRISPR-Cas9 for targeted mutagenesis |
Conclusion: Cultivating Future Growth
The American Journal of Botany has evolved dramatically since its inception in 1914, yet it has remained consistently relevant to the plant science community by adapting to changing scientific paradigms while maintaining high standards of scholarship.
From its early focus on descriptive botany and physiology to its current embrace of integrative and interdisciplinary approaches, AJB has documented the fascinating progression of plant science as a discipline. The journal's history reflects broader trends in biological research, including the molecularization of biological inquiry, the growing emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration, and the increasing application of computational approaches 4 6 .
Future Challenges & Opportunities
As we look to the future, AJB faces both challenges and opportunities. The plant science community must address urgent global problems including climate change, food security, and biodiversity loss, while also embracing emerging technologies that transform how research is conducted .
The story of AJB is ultimately the story of plant science itself—a discipline that has grown from simple observations of plant life to a sophisticated science that unravels nature's green mysteries at molecular, organismal, and ecosystem levels. As humanity faces increasing environmental challenges, the research published in AJB will play a vital role in developing sustainable solutions based on a deep understanding of plant biology.