Melatonin stabilizes photosynthesis and scavenges ROS to enhance salt tolerance in cucumber.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Soil salinization severely constrains crop productivity worldwide. In cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.), salt stress induces oxidative damage and impairs photosynthesis. Melatonin (MT) improves abiotic stress tolerance across diverse crops; yet its salt tolerance mechanism in cucumber remains unclear.

Results

Under 100 mM NaCl, foliar application of 100 µM MT increased plant height, leaf area, and biomass. Physiologically, MT enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities, increased ascorbate (ASA) and osmolyte levels, and lowered the Na⁺/K⁺ ratio. MT also elevated chlorophyll content (SPAD), indicating protection of the photosynthetic apparatus. Transcriptomics identified 1,355 melatonin-responsive DEGs, with GO/KEGG enrichment in photosynthesis, photosynthesisantenna protei

SUBMITTER: Li Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12542107 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature