PJB-2019-205
Enhancing salt tolerance in melon by exogenous application of melatonin and Ca2+
Yan Wu, Qinghai Gao, Shoucheng Huang and Shuangshuang Jia
Abstract
Melatonin and Ca2+ have been implicated in growth, development and stress responses in plants. Here, we report the effects of exogenous melatonin and Ca2+on growth, photosynthetic capacity, antioxidant potential and ion homeostasis in melon (Cucumis melon L. cv. Yangjiaosu) seedlings under salt stress. It was observed that salt stress significantly inhibited growth in melon seedlings, while exogenous application of melatonin and Ca2+ alleviated the inhibition. Further analysis showed that exogenous application of melatonin or Ca2+ promoted photosynthetic rate and water use efficiency in salt-stressed melon seedlings. In addition, exogenous melatonin or Ca2+ enhanced accumulation of Ca2+, but reduced accumulation of Na+ in both leaves and roots of melon seedlings under salt stress. Furthermore, exogenous melatonin or Ca2+ reduced oxidative damage, as demonstrated by decreased electrolyte leakage and MDA content, by stimulating activities of antioxidant enzymes, including SOD, POD, CAT and APX, in salt-stressed melon seedlings. Collectively, these results suggest that exogenous melatonin or Ca2+ acts in the alleviation of salt stress by improving photosynthesis, maintaining ion homeostasis and elevating antioxidant capacity in melon seedlings. Our work also provides a case study and melatonin or Ca2+ may serve as useful agent to relieve salt stress in agricultural production
To Cite this article:
Wu, Y., Q. Gao, S. Huang and S. Jia. 2019. Enhancing salt tolerance in melon by application of exogenous melatonin and Ca2+ . Pak. J. Bot., 51(3): DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.30848/PJB2019-3(7)
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