Melatonin Involved in Protective Effects against Cadmium Stress in Wolffia arrhiza

Melatonin (MT) is a new plant hormone that protects against adverse environmental conditions. In the present study, the responses of Wolffia arrhiza exposed to cadmium (Cd) and MT were analyzed. Quantitative analysis of MT and precursors of its biosynthesis was performed using LC-MS-MS. The photosynthetic pigments and phytochelatins (PCs) contents were determined using HPLC, while protein and monosaccharides, stress markers, and antioxidant levels were determined using spectrophotometric methods. Interestingly, the endogenous level of MT and its substrates in W. arrhiza exposed to 1-100 mu M Cd was significantly higher compared to the control. Additionally, the application of 25 mu M MT and Cd intensified the biosynthesis of these compounds. The most stimulatory effect on the growth and content of pigments, protein, and sugars was observed in plants treated with 25 mu M MT. In contrast, Cd treatment caused a decrease in plant weight and level of these compounds, while the application of 25 mu M MT mitigated the inhibitory effect of Cd. Additionally, Cd enhanced the level of stress markers; simultaneously, MT reduced their content in duckweed exposed to Cd. In plants treated with Cd, PC levels were increased by Cd treatment and by 25 mu M MT. These results confirmed that MT mitigated the adverse effect of Cd. Furthermore, MT presence was reported for the first time in W. arrhiza. In summary, MT is an essential phytohormone for plant growth and development, especially during heavy metal stress.

Automated summary

Melatonin (MT) is a plant hormone that protects plants from adverse environmental conditions. This study analyzed the responses of Wolffia arrhiza exposed to cadmium (Cd) and MT. The levels of MT and its precursors were higher in plants exposed to Cd, and the application of MT and Cd intensified their biosynthesis. MT enhanced the growth and content of pigments, protein, and sugars, while Cd treatment decreased these compounds, which were mitigated by MT. Cd increased stress markers, while MT reduced their content in duckweed exposed to Cd. In summary, MT is an essential phytohormone for plant growth and development, especially during heavy metal stress.