Discipline: Biological Sciences
Subcategory: Plant Research
Session: 1
Stephon Simpson - Mississippi Valley State University
Co-Author(s): Manju Pande Ph.D., Mississippi Valley State University, Itta Bena, MS
Melatonin’s role in circadian processes in human and various animals is well known. Since the discovery of melatonin’s presence in plants was reported in 1995, since then many physiological role of the molecule has been investigated. Melatonin has been found in different parts of a plant and have reported by some authors to effect the expression of other plant hormones, hence, it is suggested to have role in various physiology important in germination, cell growth, senescence, and flowering in plants. Other studies have reported an up-regulation of melatonin in plants in response to biotic and abiotic stress, strongly suggesting a role in stress physiology. It is considered as a powerful antioxidant that plays a role in the defense system. In the present study we investigate the role of endogenously applied melatonin to 10 day old germinating soybean seeds under successive water stressed conditions. The study was conducted in the greenhouse conditions in 2 sets of three groups. The control group with 2, 3, and 9 days irrigation. The second set consisting of the treatment group with the same irrigation regimen. Melatonin was added at the rate of 0.03/ml in the soil to 10 day old emerging seedlings. The preliminary results have shown overall healthier growth with melatonin treated plants in terms of plant height, and leaf size under 3 and 9 days irrigated pots, compared to control. Chlorophyll content (chl) and stomata conductance (st.con) measured higher at the end of three weeks in treatment groups in 9 days (chl;27.8)(St.con; 1363) compared to control (Chl;18.59)(st.con; 359) in 9 day water stressed plants. Our present study with melatonin application shows positive responses in physiology and protection of plants in water stressed conditions.
Funder Acknowledgement(s): This research was supported by a Minority Science and Engineering Improvement Program (MSEIP) stem changers grant at Mississippi Valley State University
Faculty Advisor: Manju Pande. Ph.D., mpande@mvsu.edu
Role: Through this experience, I learned that the research process can be exciting and rewarding. I enjoyed finding articles that have applied for purposes unfamiliar to me because it made me more aware of the other fields of research. The anticipation of obtaining data and interpreting the result was challenging and stimulating, but it also was frustrating when the method did not work or the expected result was not observed. Solving problems and unveiling puzzles are especially appealing to me, and they were demonstrated through this project. It exposed me to many laboratory techniques that are important for research. Having hands-on experiences with plant physiology increased my understanding and skills required for a career in research.