ArticleBMC plant biology2026
Exogenous melatonin mitigates cadmium stress on cotton seed germination: physiological, biochemical, and transcriptomic insights.
Article in BMC plant biology, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
backgroundCadmium (Cd) is a prevalent and toxic heavy metal widely present in soils. Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.), which readily accumulates Cd, exhibits inhibited seed germination under Cd stress. Melatonin (MT), a potent indoleamine antioxidant, has been demonstrated to facilitate seed germination under adverse conditions, but its regulatory mechanisms in cotton under Cd stress remain unclear. In this study, cotton seeds of the cultivar 'Nongda 601' were used to investigate the effects of exogenous MT on germination characteristics, antioxidant enzyme activities, and hormone levels under Cd stress. Experimental treatments included a control (CK), MT treatment, Cd treatment, and a combined Cd + MT treatment (CM). Transcriptome sequencing was further conducted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.
resultsCd stress significantly inhibited cotton seed germination, reduced amylase activity, and increased starch accumulation. It also decreased antioxidant enzyme activities while increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents. In addition, Cd stress increased IAA, ABA, and endogenous MT contents, while decreasing GA
conclusionsExogenous MT alleviates Cd-induced inhibition of cotton seed germination by enhancing antioxidant capacity, promoting starch mobilization, and rebalancing hormone signaling, while modulating phenylpropanoid metabolism. These findings provide a theoretical foundation for improving cotton cultivation in Cd-contaminated soils.
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