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Melatonin-Mediated Abiotic Stress Tolerance in Plants
Wen Zeng1, Salma Mostafa1,2, Zhaogeng Lu1
1College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.
Frontiers in Plant Science
|May 26, 2022
Summary
Melatonin enhances plant stress tolerance by reducing harmful reactive species. This review covers melatonin
Area of Science:
- Plant Science
- Biochemistry
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Melatonin is a ubiquitous molecule with vital roles in plant stress tolerance.
- Plant melatonin biosynthesis primarily occurs in chloroplasts and is well-characterized.
- Melatonin mitigates abiotic stress impacts by managing reactive oxygen and nitrogen species.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current research on melatonin biosynthesis, metabolism, and antioxidant functions in plants.
- To focus on melatonin's role in tolerance to various abiotic stresses.
- To examine the effects of exogenous melatonin application on plants under stress.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on plant melatonin.
- Analysis of melatonin's mechanisms in stress response pathways.
- Synthesis of findings on exogenous melatonin treatments.
Main Results:
- Melatonin biosynthesis and metabolism pathways are extensively studied.
- Melatonin directly scavenges reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, enhancing stress tolerance.
- Exogenous melatonin application shows promise in alleviating abiotic stress damage.
Conclusions:
- Melatonin is a key regulator of plant abiotic stress responses.
- Further research into melatonin's applications can improve crop resilience.
- Future perspectives include optimizing melatonin use for sustainable agriculture.
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