Vol. 12, Issue 8 (2023)

Author(s):
Shaziya Sultana and Sharmistha Barthakur

Abstract:
Melatonin, a multifunctional hormone found in various organisms, has gained significant attention in plant biology due to its potential role in regulating various physiological processes. A crucial phase of a plant's life cycle is seed germination. Recent studies have demonstrated that melatonin plays a critical role in promoting germination and influence root architecture, Here, to analyze the effect of melatonin in modulating the germination indices and root development, seeds of wheat cvHD2967 were primed with a series of melatonin at MT1 (15 mgl^-1), MT2 (30 mgl^-1), MT3 (50 mgl^-1), MT4 (60 mgl^-1), and MT5 (75 mgl^-1) and water alone as control. MT3 (50 mgl^-1), and MT4 (60 mgl^-1) substantially increased radical length, shoot length, fresh weight, dry weight, root attributes and germination potential. In conclusion, melatonin emerges as a key regulator of seed germination and root development in plants. Its ability to enhance the germination rates, promote root growth and alleviates stress effects underscores it as a potential and valuable tool in plant science and crop improvement strategies.