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Melatonin Induced Cold Tolerance in Plants: Physiological and Molecular Responses
Sameer H Qari1, Muhammad Umair Hassan2, Muhammad Umer Chattha3
1Department of Biology, Al-Jumum University College, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
Melatonin (MT) enhances plant cold tolerance by improving physiological functions and antioxidant activity. Further research is needed to optimize MT biosynthesis for boosting plant resilience against cold stress.
Area of Science:
- Plant Science
- Biochemistry
- Stress Physiology
Background:
- Cold stress significantly limits plant growth by impairing physiological and molecular processes.
- Key impacts include oxidative stress, reduced nutrient uptake, membrane damage, and decreased photosynthesis.
- Bio-stimulants offer a promising strategy to mitigate cold stress effects in plants.
Approach:
- This review synthesizes current knowledge on melatonin's (MT) role in plant cold tolerance.
- It examines MT's physiological and molecular mechanisms for enhancing plant resilience.
- The review also explores engineering MT biosynthesis for improved cold tolerance.
Key Points:
- Melatonin application improves plant growth and tolerance by maintaining membrane integrity, water content, stomatal function, and photosynthetic efficiency.
- MT enhances nutrient and water uptake, redox homeostasis, and the accumulation of protective compounds.
- It effectively scavenges reactive oxygen species (ROS) through increased antioxidant activity and stress-responsive gene expression.
Conclusions:
- Melatonin is a crucial bio-stimulant for conferring cold tolerance in plants.
- Understanding MT-induced tolerance mechanisms and identifying research gaps are essential for future applications.
- Engineering MT biosynthesis presents a viable avenue for enhancing plant cold resilience.
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