Open Access

REVIEW

Global Impact of Potential Use of Phytomelatonin in Crops

Marino B. Arnao^1,*, Manuela Giraldo-Acosta¹, Soundouss Kaabi¹, Giuseppe Mannino², Leyla Parra-Almuna³, Josefa Hernández-Ruiz¹, Antonio Cano¹

1 Phytohormones and Plant Development Laboratory, Department of Plant Biology (Plant Physiology), Faculty of Biology, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
2 Life Sciences and Systems Biology Department, Plant Physiology Unit, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
3 Soil-Plant Laboratory, Center of Plant, Soil Interaction and Natural Resources Biotechnology-BIOREN-UFRO, University of La Frontera, Temuco, Chile

* Corresponding Author: Marino B. Arnao. Email:

Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany 2026, 95(3), 1 https://doi.org/10.32604/phyton.2026.077309

Received 06 December 2025; Accepted 06 February 2026; Issue published 31 March 2026

Abstract

Phytomelatonin is a versatile compound with important roles in plants, spanning from promoting germination and plant growth to defending against abiotic and biotic stresses. Its natural origin as biostimulator aligns with sustainable agricultural practices that aim to reduce reliance on synthetic agrochemicals while supporting crop productivity. As research progresses and reveals its full potential across various sectors of agriculture and food production systems, phytomelatonin emerges as a promising candidate for integrated crop management, with the goal of achieving more resilient and sustainable food systems worldwide. More agronomic data will be essential to decide whether the use of (phyto)melatonin can be a clear advance in the improvement of crops and their production. This paper presents the possible improvements and challenges to be faced in order to elucidate whether the cost/benefit balance in the use of melatonin in crops will be environmentally and economically sustainable.

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Keywords

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