This book highlights the multifunctional role of the ubiquitous molecule, melatonin, in crop plants. The major focus of this edition is to provide detailed insights into morphophysiological, biochemical, and molecular responses of melatonin in the growth and development of the plant. The inception of melatonin as an animal hormone and the subsequent discovery of its multifaceted function in the animal system has triggered the research on this pineal gland hormone. During the last decade, the discovery, quantification and functional studies of melatonin as phytohormone has emerged at a rapid pace. Recently, this phyto-protectant has become an integral component of lab and field-based research on the mitigation of adverse effects of climate-driven abiotic stresses and postharvest biology and technology. The book explores various biosynthetic pathways and detection of melatonin covering its role in flowering, fruit development, photosynthesis, respiration, hormonal crosstalk, post-harvest biology and reactive oxygen species and nitrogen cycles. This book is of high interest to postharvest industries, horticulturists, scientists, researchers, and students.

Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) is a widely studied biomolecule, and its function has been investigated in bacteria, mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, fish and plants. Melatonin research in plants the last five years has attained an exponential growth phase and the number of publications related to phytomelatonin has significantly increased in present times. All this research is directed towards establishing multifarious roles of melatonin in plants, including the promotion of seed germination and seedling growth, influencing plant development and senescence, alteration of flowering and fruiting time and grain yield, modulating circadian rhythms, improving resistance against biotic stress as well as tolerance to abiotic stress, reducing oxidative stress, and stimulating plant immune response. However, to date, an exhaustive book, solely and exclusively dedicated to melatonin research on various aspects of plant biology, has not been published by any renowned publisher or is available in the market. Keeping all these facts in mind, this book aims to compile the most recent developments in the arena of melatonin-mediated regulation of plant physiology under optimal and sub-optimal conditions. This book will initiate and introduce the readers to the state-of-the-art developments and trends in this field of study and will largely cater to the scientific need of scientists engaged in melatonin research across the globe. The book will be unique of its kind and will draw the attention of scientific and research communities engaged in the field of melatonin research. The key features of this book: Authors will address the topics which would provide advances in the understanding of diverse functions of melatonin in plants, encompassing almost all the aspects that have been investigated so far Integrate the overall mechanistic function of melatonin, genomics and proteomics tools, and genetic engineering to manipulate endogenous melatonin levels, thus giving a holistic view of plant-level studies under normal or challenging situations Largely help the readers to design future research programs in exploiting melatonin as a protective agent to develop climate-resilient and pathogen-resistant plants Benefit the crop protection program and ensure food security Chapters will be supplemented with ample illustrations and figures This book will be beneficial to research scholars and Ph.D. students involved in melatonin research and working on stress physiology, stress proteins, genomics, proteomics and genetic engineering in different universities and research institutes all over the world. The book can also be used as an advanced reference book for the coursework of research and master’s level students. It will be of use to people involved in improving plant growth and yield, as well as the performance of plant species in the face of climate change and pathogen infection, using melatonin as the prime protective agent and signaling molecule. Although the book will directly benefit the academic and scientific community, it will also indirectly draw the attention of industries or companies that manufacture or sell chemical products, since the book will highlight in detail the antioxidative potential of melatonin. This will create impetus at the industrial level for the isolation and synthesis of melatonin as a beneficial chemical agent. Applying melatonin as an ameliorating agent against different stresses at the field level will also increase the demand for this chemical among the farmers and will promote large-scale sales and utilization of melatonin for ensuring crop protection and increasing yield.

Key features: Presents the latest trends and developments of neuromediators in plants Provides in-depth coverage of plants enriched in neurotransmitters (especially serotonin, melatonin, and dopamine) and how they are used in medicine, pharmacy, and food nutrition Discusses the physiological role of the neurotransmitters (biomediators) in non-nervous systems including the analysis of effects on the growth and development and stress defense Covers the occurrence of the substances that act in human and animal nervous system in plants as a phenomenon of the universal irritability feature for biologists Reveals the occurrence and possible physiological functions of biogenic amines in plants, food, and human health New scientific data confirm the origin of neurotransmitters in the ancient ocean, whose inhabitants use the compounds in their relationships. One example is the algae Ulvaria, whose image is represented on the cover. During evolution, plant and microbial cells stored the neurotransmitters that play multifunctional roles today. Researchers have paid special attention to their functions in plants, the oxygen well of our planet. This book provides powerful tools for both analyzing and manipulating organisms, considering the functions of neurotransmitters in plant cells and the practical application of knowledge about acetylcholine, catecholamines, serotonin, melatonin, histamine, gamma-aminobutyric acid and glutamine for ecology, agriculture, medicine and food industries. Neurotransmitters in Plants: Perspectives and Applications presents information on: the location and biosynthesis where neurotransmitters occur the molecular biology of some enzymes participating in the process their role in vivo and in vitro processes their functions in plant environmental adaptation in plants their role in enriching the food and medicinal value of plants.

This edited book highlights the multifunctional role of the ubiquitous molecule, melatonin in crop plants. The major focus of this edition is to provide a comprehensive insight into the key focus is on Melatonin mediated alleviation of abiotic stresses and pathogens infection. The inception of melatonin as an animal hormone and the subsequent discovery of its multifaceted function in the animal system has revolutionized the research on this penial hormone. During the last decade, the discovery, quantification and functional studies of melatonin as phytohormone has emerged at a rapid pace. Recently, this phyto-protectant has become an integral component of lab and field-based research on the mitigation of adverse effects of climate-driven abiotic stresses and postharvest biology and technology. The book explores melatonin mediated management of various abiotic stresses such as drought, salinity, heat and cold temperature. The book also focuses on role of melatonin in heavy metal stress, viral, bacterial, and fungal diseases, and, also contains chapter on melatonin facilitated nutrient use efficiency in plants. This book is of interest to postharvest industries, horticulturists, scientists, researchers, and students.

The new edited volume on phytomelatonin and its diverse roles in plants under a challenging environment shall be an important reference book with updated information and future perspectives on the involvement of this biomolecule in stress resilience in plants. Investigations on different aspects of melatonin in plants have undergone a prolific surge in the last decade. In view of such a considerable volume of investigations in melatonin, the proposed new volume will collate its role in different aspects of plants signaling, growth and metabolism. In this context, it has been important to understand its function as a stress priming molecule that executes associative synergistic relation with various other plant growth regulators (viz. nitric oxide, hydrogen sulfide, inorganic ions, and enzymes). Thus, crop management under diverse stressful environments can be better achieved by elucidating our current understanding of the role of melatonin and its interplay with various plant metabolites. The book shall provide a collation of recent advancements in genomic, transcriptomic, and metabolomic approaches to decipher the molecular mechanisms of melatonin signaling and its agronomic importance in plants.

This topic focuses on distribution, synthesis, metabolism, and the in vivo roles of melatonin in plants, with 1 editorial, 3 reviews, 21 original research studies and 1 corrigendum.

Melatonin: A Ubiquitous Pleiotropic Molecule equips researchers with an understanding of the molecular biology of melatonin in plants. The book explores the occurrence of melatonin in several plant species, covering key aspects, including its biosynthesis, physiological function in plant growth and development, and signaling pathways. It then discusses the benefits melatonin has for plant and agricultural development, as well as how it can be utilized as a therapeutic in the treatment of human diseases. The role it can play in the oxidative stress response and circadian rhythm modulation are covered, as well as its nutraceutical potential for human health. The book also covers the importance of melatonin in a range of fields, including drug discovery and disease resistance, agriculture, botany, and biotechnology, and is an ideal reference for researchers across these disciplines. Examines melatonin’s pivotal role as a signaling molecule, elucidating its involvement in a diverse array of biological responses within plants Covers essential aspects like melatonin biosynthesis, regulation, antioxidant properties, and its involvement in stress management in plants Provides an interdisciplinary study of melatonin and its potential uses, including disease management, crop improvement, and nutraceutical development Addresses melatonin’s multifaceted role in regulating key physiological processes in the human body, including circadian rhythms, sleep–wake cycles, and neurological protection Delves into melatonin’s dual role as an immunomodulator influencing immune cells and a powerful antioxidant combating free radicals and alleviating oxidative stress Explores melatonin’s therapeutic and anticancer potential, emphasizing its importance in cardiovascular health, neurology, and cancer research, attributed to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory characteristics

Currently, agriculture is at a crossroads similar to that experienced at the beginning of the last century. The growing need to supply food to global markets and the incipient climate is expected to jeopardize the current agricultural systems. This situation requires a rethinking of agricultural production systems, and it is clearly necessary to incorporate new tools and agronomic practices that improve efficiency and sustainability. A key factor can be identified in using resources or the competition of crops to resist biotic and abiotic stresses. Plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) are of outstanding utility due to the multiple mechanisms with which they influence plant development. It is fundamental, at these crossroads, to delve deeper into the mechanisms by which PGPB can improve the development of plants in the soil at the phenotypic level. Biochemical methods, incorporating genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic analyses, can help us understand these interactions. In addition, omics techniques will make it possible to create a complete and complex vision using big data technologies, spurring new strategies to achieve an agriculture with a greater degree of integration of the environment, and greater efficiency of production with reduced risk to human.