An Overview of the Effect of Melatonin on Maintaining the Quality of Ornamental Plants by Influencing Antioxidant Responses

Abstract In plants, melatonin can regulate the life cycle, growth, and responses to environmental stress. It has been shown that in ornamental plants, melatonin regulates physiological processes. including growth, delays aging, and alleviates stress. The objective of this review is to provide information on the role of melatonin as a hormonal compound in ornamental plants, the significance of endogenous melatonin levels, and the its application in ornamental plant production and marketing. Several studies have reported that both exogenous and endogenous melatonin influence the lifespan of flowering potted plants, cut flowers, and foliage ornamentals, as well as their postharvest quality. Melatonin shows potential for maintaining the quality of ornamental plants. It acts as a growth regulator, preservative, and antimicrobial agent, thereby contributing to extended shelf life. This overview provides a comprehensive summary of melatonin bio-synthesis in plants, endogenous melatonin content in various species, and its effects on cut flowers, potted plants, and ornamental foliage plants, as well as their postharvest quality. It also addresses the effects of exogenous melatonin application on ornamental plant cultivation.