Breaking the salty spell: Understanding action mechanism of melatonin and beneficial microbes as nature's solution for mitigating salt stress in soybean

Abstract

An economically valuable crop like soybean is badly impacted by salt stress, a significant environmental stress factor. Researchers have concentrated on the potential of melatonin and microorganisms to reduce the adverse impacts of salinity on soybean plants. The methods by which melatonin (MT) and helpful microorganisms can decrease salt stress in soybean plants are discussed in this review paper. In plants under salinity, MT has been demonstrated to modify ion homeostasis, boost antioxidant defense, and improve osmotic adjustment. The beneficial microorganisms have been demonstrated to improve growth attributes and nutrient uptake, assist plants in ionic adjustment, potassium-mobilization, management of oxidative stress, regulation of stress tolerance genes, and production of plant hormone. Additionally, research has been done on how MT and advantageous microbes work together to improve the salt tolerance of soybean plants. Future research directions are also underlined, including figuring out the molecular processes by which MT and helpful microorganisms work, creating efficient microbial inoculants, looking into alternative treatments, and conducting field tests. Valuable insights into the potential of MT and beneficial microbes for improving soybean productivity and sustainability under salt stress conditions were discussed, highlighting future research directions in this area. This review article suggests developing new agricultural strategies incorporating these agents for improving soybean productivity and sustainability.