Foliar application of melatonin delay leaf senescence in maize by improving the antioxidant defense system and enhancing photosynthetic capacity under semi-arid regions

Melatonin improves the seed filling rate and endogenous hormonal mechanism in grains of summer maize

“…Crop production is reported to be reduced due to this water deficit and unpredictable precipitation in the semiarid regions of China (Tang et al, 2011). The use of plant growth regulators increases crop productivity in semiarid areas (Ahmad et al, 2020; Kamran et al, 2018). Grain filling is a critical time for the formation of crop yields, and the improvement in grain filling may lead to increased crop production (Liu, Han, et al, 2015).…”

“…The scarcity of water during the flowering stage and grain filling process causes a significant decrease in grain yield (Guo et al, 2014). However, the application of plant growth regulators (PGRs) or nutrients plays a crucial role in growing crop production (Lv, Tong, et al, 2017, Ahmad et al, 2020.…”

“…The scarcity of water during the flowering stage and grain filling process causes a significant decrease in grain yield (Guo et al, 2014). However, the application of plant growth regulators (PGRs) or nutrients plays a crucial role in growing crop production (Lv, Tong, et al, 2017, Kamran et al, 2018, Ahmad et al, 2020). For instance, melatonin increased crop growth and development under water stress conditions (Arnao & Hernández‐Ruiz, 2014; Arnao & Hernández‐Ruiz, 2015).…”

The Effect of Foliar Application of Melatonin on Changes in Secondary Metabolite Contents in Two Citrus Species Under Drought Stress Conditions

“…It is well documented that plant growth regulators play a pivotal role in regulating stress signaling and biochemical and physiological pathways ( Wang et al, 2010 ; Hasanuzzaman et al, 2020 ). Exogenous application of phytohormones or plant bio-stimulators can be considered a powerful and useful approach to improve the protection and adaptability of crops against stressful environmental conditions ( Ahmad et al, 2020 ). Melatonin is a molecule with multiple functions which has direct tasks in improving the performance of the mitochondrial electron transport chain, scavenging-free radicals, protecting antioxidant enzymes from oxidative damage, and increasing antioxidant enzyme activities ( Reiter et al, 2010 ; Tan et al, 2012 ; Han et al, 2017 ; Ahmad et al, 2020 ).…”

“…Exogenous application of phytohormones or plant bio-stimulators can be considered a powerful and useful approach to improve the protection and adaptability of crops against stressful environmental conditions ( Ahmad et al, 2020 ). Melatonin is a molecule with multiple functions which has direct tasks in improving the performance of the mitochondrial electron transport chain, scavenging-free radicals, protecting antioxidant enzymes from oxidative damage, and increasing antioxidant enzyme activities ( Reiter et al, 2010 ; Tan et al, 2012 ; Han et al, 2017 ; Ahmad et al, 2020 ). The positive effect of melatonin on ameliorating the adverse impact of abiotic stresses has been previously studied in different plants such as maize ( Zea mays ) ( Huang et al, 2019 ), cucumber ( Cucumis sativus ) ( Zhang et al, 2014 ), moldavian balm ( Dracocephalum moldavica L.) ( Kabiri et al, 2018 ), apple ( Malus domestica ) ( Li et al, 2015 ), wheat ( Triticum aestivum ) ( Ke et al, 2018 ), cotton ( Gossypium hirsutum L.) ( Hu et al, 2020 ), mutant barley ( Li et al, 2016 ), maize ( Sun et al, 2020 ), rapeseed cultivar ( Khan et al, 2019 ), tomato cultivar “Qianxi” ( Zhou et al, 2020 ) and soybean ( Glycine max L.) ( Wei et al, 2015 ).…”