EDITOR'S LETTER

Dearest,

During 2010, by means of our covers, we celebrated the International Year of Biodiversity. In this last issue, we bring important considerations on the conservation of genetic resources on farm. The topic is especially relevant for countries where the cultural plurality seasoned the megabiodiversity, resulting in unique farming practices. Follow the unfolding of this story in the text of the cover.

We get to the end of the year again with plenty of reasons to celebrate. The publication of our first impact factor in JCR (Journal Citation Reports^®), 0.312, was one of our major achievements. While agreeing with most of the criticism on the use of impact factors without considering the specificities of each field of expertise, we do believe that the impact factor has its place. Thus, we are very happy with our score, although we are aware of the long way we still have to go.

Horticultura Brasileira, as well as other scientific journals published in Brazil, shows an undeniable progress. However, there are ties to be loosened, and quickly, to allow these journals to go forward. For example:

(1) editorial boards need greater professionalism to gain celerity. However, this implies in increasing costs;

(2) at the same time, authors must trust the journals published in Brazil, not only contributing with high impact articles, but also using articles published in these journals to discuss their own results. This does not imply in increasing costs;

(3) specifically in Horticultura Brasileira, we have to come quickly to at least 1/3 of papers published in English, to increase our international visibility.

This is our message! Leaving you with the meaningful image in our cover, we say goodbye and thanks for you all who, for another year, have helped us to keep up Horticultura Brasileira's strength, vigor and competence.

See you in the next volume,

Paulo Melo, editor in chief

Publication Dates

• Publication in this collection
  17 Jan 2011
• Date of issue
  Dec 2010