Recent advances in melatonin regulation of drought tolerance in plants
2025
Mingzhao Luo | Dandan Zhang | Wensi Tang | Pierre Delaplace | Ming Chen | Youzhi Ma
Drought stress significantly impacts crop growth, development, and productivity. However, emerging research highlights the pivotal role of melatonin as a versatile molecule in enhancing plant resilience. Studies have emphasized melatonin's ability to effectively scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) while also orchestrating a spectrum of physiological responses crucial for plant survival under drought conditions. Melatonin's regulatory influence extends to critical processes such as germination, root development, and leaf senescence, positioning it as a crucial agent in mitigating drought stress. Beyond its antioxidative properties, melatonin mediates drought tolerance through complex interactions with membrane receptor proteins like phyto-melatonin receptor 1 (PMTR1) and potentially activates signaling pathways, including the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade and transcription factors, to regulate downstream effectors. Recent investigations have also illuminated melatonin's interactions with various phytohormones, plant microbiomes, and flavonoids, further enhancing its role in drought tolerance. This comprehensive review systematically explores the mechanisms by which melatonin modulates drought tolerance. Additionally, several promising directions are proposed for future research aimed at elucidating the multifaceted roles of melatonin and potential applications in enhancing drought tolerance in agricultural systems.
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