Functions of Melatonin during Postharvest of Horticultural Crops. (15th December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Aghdam, Morteza Soleimani; Mukherjee, Soumya; Flores, Francisco Borja; Arnao, Marino B; Luo, Zisheng; Corpas, Francisco J
• Is Part Of: Plant & cell physiology. Volume 63:Number 12(2022)
• Page Start: 1764
• Page End: 1786
• Publication Date: 2021-12-15
• Subjects: Horticultural crops -- Low-temperature storage -- Melatonin -- Postharvest -- RNS -- ROS scavenging systems -- Sensory and nutritional quality; Plant physiology -- Periodicals; Microbiology -- Periodicals; Cytology -- Periodicals; Cell Physiology -- Periodicals; Plant Physiological Phenomena -- Periodicals; Cytology; Microbiology; Plant physiology; Periodicals; 571.205
• DOI: 10.1093/pcp/pcab175
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0032-0781

Abstract

Abstract: Melatonin, a tryptophan-derived molecule, is endogenously generated in animal, plant, fungal and prokaryotic cells. Given its antioxidant properties, it is involved in a myriad of signaling functions associated with various aspects of plant growth and development. In higher plants, melatonin (Mel) interacts with plant regulators such as phytohormones, as well as reactive oxygen and nitrogen species including hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ), nitric oxide (NO) and hydrogen sulfide (H2 S). It shows great potential as a biotechnological tool to alleviate biotic and abiotic stress, to delay senescence and to conserve the sensory and nutritional quality of postharvest horticultural products which are of considerable economic importance worldwide. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the biochemistry of Mel, whose endogenous induction and exogenous application can play an important biotechnological role in enhancing the marketability and hence earnings from postharvest horticultural crops.