Exogenous Melatonin Application Induced Morpho-Physiological and Biochemical Regulations Conferring Salt Tolerance in Ranunculus asiaticus L.

Abstract

This study presents the effects of exogenous melatonin application at different concentrations (50, 100, and 200 μM) on the morphological, physiological, and antioxidant defense systems of the buttercup plant under salinity stress (4.5 and 5.5 dS·m−1 EC). Expectedly, the salinity stress negatively affected the plant growth parameters, cell membrane stability, and POX enzyme activity of R. asiaticus compared to non-stressed plants. However, in a dose-dependent manner, exogenous melatonin foliar application decreased the salt stress-induced symptoms of retarded vegetative growth, physiological characteristics, and oxidative stress level. The results obtained, revealed the significant effectiveness of exogenous melatonin treatment at 200 μM concentration under salt stress conditions by enhancing the plant growth traits such as chlorophyll and carotenoids content, relative water content, proline content, peroxidase enzyme activity (POD), and by the decreased electrolyte leakage rate, and Na+ content, as well as delaying the emergence of flower buds under salinity stress. The salt tolerance index percentages (STI%) for all estimated characters are also calculated for all studied parameters. This study uncovered the beneficial effect of melatonin in reducing salt stress symptoms that can be used to reduce the salinity effect in ranunculus plant production.