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Updated: Jan 11, 2026
11:16
A Hydroponic Co-cultivation System for Simultaneous and Systematic Analysis of Plant/Microbe Molecular Interactions and Signaling
Published on: July 22, 2017
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Melatonin microbe interactions in plant rhizosphere.
Imad Aijaz1, Eun-Hae Kwon1,2, In-Jung Lee2
1Department of Engineering Technology, Cullen College of Engineering, University of Houston, Sugarland, TX 77469, USA.
Iscience
|November 10, 2025
Summary
Melatonin, a plant growth promoter, can be enhanced by microbial symbionts. Using these microbes offers a stable alternative to direct application for improving crop stress tolerance and growth.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Plant Biology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Melatonin is crucial for plant growth and abiotic stress tolerance.
- Microbial symbionts also produce melatonin, influencing plant redox balance and resistance.
- Both plants and microbes contribute to melatonin levels through distinct pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review melatonin biosynthesis in plants and microbes.
- To explore the ecological and physiological roles of melatonin in agriculture.
- To assess microbial consortia as a delivery system for melatonin in crops.
Main Methods:
- Literature review synthesizing current research on melatonin.
- Analysis of plant and microbial melatonin biosynthesis pathways.
- Evaluation of microbial delivery systems for agricultural applications.
Main Results:
- Melatonin enhances plant growth and stress resilience.
- Microbial melatonin production complements plant endogenous synthesis.
- Melatonin's instability limits direct application, favoring microbial delivery.
Conclusions:
- Microbial consortia offer a stable and effective method for enhancing plant melatonin levels.
- Melatonin-producing microbes can improve crop stress tolerance and growth.
- Melatonin-based microbial strategies represent sustainable tools for modern agriculture.
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