Abstract
A new biomolecule called melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) affects the growth of horticultural crops both before and after harvest. The most important role of melatonin in higher plants is an indoleamine neurotransmitter and antioxidant that can regulate reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. It is a signalling agent that induces various specific physiological activities in plants that might serve to increase growth, photosynthesis, root initiation, fixation of carbon, defence, and germination of seed against various abiotic and biotic stressors. However, its role in postharvest biology bears significant potential in improving quality, fruit ripening, shelf life, postharvest preservation, and stress protection (biotic as well as abiotic stress) during storage. Recent studies on postharvest biology of horticultural crops revealed the role of melatonin in preventing senescence, antioxidant action, etc. which are very important with respect to economic value of horticultural commodities. The positive influence of melatonin on postharvest biology is utilised in shelf life extension and quality retention in terms of sensorial and nutritional quality. It is now well evident that the addition of melatonin enhances the postharvest biology of various horticultural crops. Additionally, many new aspects have been identified where melatonin may have possible roles in reduction in the pesticide residues accumulation and heavy metals in foods. The detailed information on the diverse functional role of melatonin in postharvest biology, viz. its importance in postharvest management, signalling, regulation, application in horticultural crops, etc. are discussed in detail in this chapter.
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Saroj, N. et al. (2023). Diverse Functional Role of Melatonin in Postharvest Biology. In: Kumar, R., Altaf, M.A., Lal, M.K., Tiwari, R.K. (eds) Melatonin in Plants: A Regulator for Plant Growth and Development. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-99-6745-2_9
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