Melatonin in Horticultural Plants

A Multifunctional Molecule for Abiotic Stress Tolerance

Muhammad Ahsan Altaf, Ravinder Kumar, Rahul Kumar Tiwari, Milan Kumar Lal

• Publisher: Academic Press
• Year: 2025
• Topic: Biological Sciences
• eBook ISBN:
  9780443338526
• Subtopic: Ecology
• Index: Biological Sciences

Melatonin in Horticultural Plants: A Multifunctional Molecule for Abiotic Stress Tolerance consolidates insights from leading experts on the morphological, physiological, and biochemical processes triggered by the application of melatonin, ultimately resulting in enhanced crop tolerance to abiotic stresses.This book provides an in-depth analysis of various abiotic stressors affecting horticultural crops, detailing how they impact plant growth and development, from seedling establishment to senescence, as well as their influence on yield and quality. It explores how melatonin regulates these responses through chemical signaling and highlights its role in coordinating signal transduction pathways at physiological, biochemical, and molecular levels, offering a comprehensive understanding of its potential in agriculture.Beyond its theoretical foundations, the volume considers how these findings can be translated into real-world strategies. This includes practical approaches such as the use of biostimulants, hormones, novel chemicals, and microorganisms to effectively harness melatonin's benefits in horticultural production. Designed to support researchers, plant biologists, and horticulturists, it aims to foster innovation and facilitate sustainable advancements in horticultural science, contributing to the development of resilient crops capable of thriving despite changing climate conditions and disruptive anthropogenic activities. - Examines the mechanisms by which melatonin enhances crop resilience to abiotic stresses such as salinity, drought, extreme temperatures, and heavy metal toxicity - Delivers a detailed analysis of melatonin's influence on plant growth, secondary metabolite production, and postharvest quality - Presents practical strategies and case studies for integrating melatonin into sustainable agricultural practices to improve crop performance under environmental challenges

Table of contents

• Title of Book
• Chapter 1. Effects of abiotic stress on the performance of horticultural crops
• Chapter 2. Melatonin: Biosynthesis, content, function, and potential applications in horticultural plants
• Chapter 3. Melatonin: Harmonizing photosynthesis in horticultural plants amidst environmental stresses
• Chapter 4. Deciphering the role of melatonin in modulating root system architecture, endogenous hormones, plant development, and abiotic stress tolerance in horticultural plants
• Chapter 5. Melatonin: Awakening the defense mechanisms during horticultural plant oxidative stress
• Chapter 6. Melatonin: A small molecule but important for salt stress tolerance in horticultural plants
• Chapter 7. Emerging roles of melatonin in mitigating drought stress in horticultural plants
• Chapter 8. Melatonin as a novel agent in mitigating cold stress in horticultural plants
• Chapter 9. Melatonin: A vital protectant against heat stress in horticultural crops — mechanisms and prospects
• Chapter 10. Melatonin: A promising approach to enhancing heavy metal stress tolerance in horticultural plants
• Chapter 11. Interaction of melatonin with other phytohormones in the regulation of abiotic stresses in horticultural plants
• Chapter 12. Functions of melatonin in the postharvest physiology of horticultural crops
• Index