Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) is an emerging biomolecule that influences horticultural crop growth, flowering, fruit ripening, postharvest preservation, and stress protection. It functions as a plant growth regulator, preservative and antimicrobial agent to promote seed germination, regulate root system architecture, influence flowering and pollen germination, promote fruit production, ensure postharvest preservation, and increase resistance to abiotic and biotic stresses. Here, we highlight the potential applications of melatonin in multiple aspects of horticulture including molecular breeding, vegetative reproduction, production of virus-free plants, food safety, and horticultural crop processing. We also discuss its effects on parthenocarpy, autophagy, and the arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis. Together, these many features contribute to the promise of melatonin for improving horticultural crop production and food safety. Effective translation of melatonin to the horticultural industry requires an understanding of the challenges associated with its uses, including the development of economically viable sources.

中文翻译：

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将褪黑激素引入园艺行业：生理作用、潜在应用和挑战

褪黑激素 (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) 是一种新兴的生物分子，可影响园艺作物的生长、开花、果实成熟、采后保存和压力保护。它作为植物生长调节剂、防腐剂和抗菌剂，可促进种子萌发、调节根系结构、影响开花和花粉萌发、促进果实生产、确保采后保存并增强对非生物和生物胁迫的抵抗力。在这里，我们强调褪黑激素在园艺的多个方面的潜在应用，包括分子育种、无性繁殖、无病毒植物的生产、食品安全和园艺作物加工。我们还讨论了它对单性结实、自噬和丛枝菌根共生的影响。一起，这些许多特性有助于褪黑激素在改善园艺作物生产和食品安全方面的前景。将褪黑激素有效地转化为园艺产业需要了解与其使用相关的挑战，包括开发经济上可行的来源。