Melatonin confers drought stress tolerance in soybean (Glycine max l.) by modulating photosynthesis, osmolytes, and reactive oxygen metabolism

Abstract

In order to investigate the role of melatonin in the drought tolerance, we examined pigments, gas exchange, osmolytes, and reactive oxygen radical metabolism in soybean plants. Drought declined photosynthetic pigments and caused irreversible reduction in net photosynthesis, which was followed by stomatal limitation for 5 and 10 d and nonstomatal limitation for 15 d. Soluble sugar, soluble proteins, and proline concentrations were higher in drought-stressed seedlings compared with the control. The contents of superoxide anion, hydrogen peroxide, and malondialdehyde increased during drought stress indicating oxidative stress. Drought stress also increased superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase activities. Melatonin treatment improved the tolerance of drought-treated plants, which was possibly due to the enhanced content of osmolytes and higher antioxidant enzyme activities that retard dehydration and lipid peroxidation.