1. Introduction and Scope

The Iraqi Journal of Agricultural Research (IJAR) is dedicated to maintaining the absolute integrity of the scholarly record. In accordance with COPE guidelines, post-publication interventions serve strictly to correct the literature, ensure scientific accuracy, and alert readers to unreliable data, not to punish the authors.

 

2. Manuscript Withdrawals (Pre-Publication)

Withdrawals apply exclusively to manuscripts that are currently under peer review or are "in press" (accepted but not yet formally published).

• Author-Initiated Withdrawal: Authors may request a withdrawal by submitting a formal letter signed by all co-authors to the Managing Editor, stating a legitimate scientific or ethical reason (e.g., discovering major errors in data collection prior to publication).
• Editor-Initiated Withdrawal: The Editor-in-Chief and Managing Editor reserves the right to withdraw a manuscript if pre-publication checks reveal severe plagiarism, duplicate submission, or ethical violations.
• Policy Restrictions: Authors are strictly prohibited from withdrawing a manuscript to evade active research integrity or misconduct investigation.

 

3. Post-Publication Corrections

If an error is discovered in a published article that modifies specific details but does not invalidate the overarching scientific findings or conclusions, a formal correction will be issued.

• Erratum: Issued to fix significant errors introduced inadvertently by the IJAR during the production, layout, or editing process.
• Corrigendum: Issued when the authors discover significant errors in their data, methodology, or author lists/affiliations that require correction.
• Implementation: The correction will be published as a distinct, indexed notice linked directly to the original electronic article, leaving the historical record transparently traceable.

4. Expressions of Concern (EoC)

The Editor-in-Chief may issue an Expression of Concern when complex, serious doubts are raised regarding the integrity of a study, but the available evidence is inconclusive or an investigation by the authors' institution remains ongoing. If subsequent concrete evidence is established, the EoC will be resolved by either a formal retraction or a clearing statement.

 

5. Article Retractions (Post-Publication)

Retractions are reserved for articles with deeply compromised findings that render the core conclusions unreliable.

5.1 Criteria for Retraction

In accordance with COPE Retraction Guidelines, IJAR will consider retracting a publication if:

• There is clear evidence that the findings are unreliable due to major honest errors, data fabrication, falsification, or image manipulation.
• The work constitutes plagiarism, redundant (duplicate) publication without proper authorization, or unauthorized use of data.
• The research was conducted unethically (e.g., severe lack of required ethical approval for animal/field trials).
• The peer review process was severely compromised or manipulated.

5.2 Retraction Modalities & Digital Record

• Preservation of Record: Retracted articles will never be silently removed from the website or archive. The online PDF and HTML versions will remain accessible but will be prominently stamped with a permanent "RETRACTED" watermark across every page.
• Retraction Notice: A public, freely accessible Retraction Notice will be published immediately. It will clearly cite the article's metadata (Title, Authors, DOI) and specify the precise reasons and evidence behind the retraction, clarifying which party initiated the action.
• Advanced Options (COPE 2025): In rare scenarios where a severe error modifies findings but does not invalidate underlying scholarship, the journal may offer "retraction with replacement". "Retraction with removal" is reserved strictly for extraordinary legal obligations or public health/biosecurity risks.