Medicina Molecular e Genética

Melatonin Reduces Aluminum Toxicity in Alfalfa, According to Physiological and Transcriptomic Analysis (Medicago sativa L.)

Abstract

Noah Garcia

Aluminum (Al) toxicity is a major constraint in plant growth and development, particularly in acidic soils where solubility and bioavailability of aluminum ions increase. This study investigates the potential alleviative effects of melatonin on aluminum toxicity in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). Physiological parameters and transcriptomic analysis were employed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying melatonin-mediated alleviation of aluminum stress. Results demonstrate that melatonin application mitigates aluminum-induced oxidative stress, enhances antioxidant enzyme activity, and improves plant growth in alfalfa. Transcriptomic analysis reveals the differential expression of genes associated with aluminum detoxification, antioxidant defense, and stress response. The findings suggest that melatonin plays a crucial role in enhancing aluminum tolerance in alfalfa through modulation of key molecular pathways.