Facilitating Maize Seed Germination Under Heat Stress via Exogenous Melatonin.

ABSTRACT: Seed germination is a critical phase during which plants are particularly sensitive to environmental stresses, especially heat stress, due to the high metabolic and physiological activities required for initial growth. Melatonin (MT), a key antioxidant, is crucial for assisting plants in managing abiotic stresses. While the impact of melatonin on heat stress has been explored in other developmental stages or species, this is the first study to specifically focus on its role during maize seed germination under heat stress. The treatment with 50 μM melatonin significantly enhanced seed germination under heat stress by improving antioxidant capacity, osmotic regulation, and hydrolytic enzyme activity, likely through the modulation of key signaling pathways, thus reducing oxidative damage and

SUBMITTER: Chen C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11855634 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature