Melatonin emerges as a key tool for maintaining fruit quality after harvest

Melatonin, a molecule widely recognized for its biological functions in animals, also plays a crucial role in plants and could become an important tool for improving postharvest fruit preservation.

This is one of the main conclusions of a review published in Horticulturae, which examines recent advances in understanding melatonin biosynthesis and its effects on fruit quality after harvest.

The authors explain that melatonin occurs naturally in many plant species and is involved in numerous physiological processes associated with growth, development and stress responses. In fruits, it is linked to mechanisms that help maintain quality during storage and distribution.

The review explores how plants synthesize melatonin and describes its distribution across different fruit species. It also summarizes scientific evidence showing how this compound regulates key factors involved in postharvest preservation.

One of the most important mechanisms concerns respiratory metabolism, which directly influences fruit ripening and senescence. Melatonin also affects ethylene metabolism, regulating the hormone responsible for many physiological and biochemical changes associated with ripening.

Another significant function is its role in sugar metabolism, helping preserve attributes related to flavor and overall fruit quality. At the same time, melatonin contributes to controlling reactive oxygen species (ROS), compounds that can accelerate cellular deterioration when they accumulate during storage.

Researchers highlight that melatonin strengthens the antioxidant defense system of fruits, reducing oxidative damage and improving tissue preservation. Through these mechanisms, it can contribute to extending shelf life and reducing postharvest losses in horticultural products.

The review also identifies several knowledge gaps that remain unresolved, particularly regarding the molecular pathways involved in melatonin synthesis and metabolism within fruits.

The authors suggest that future studies may support the development of new preservation strategies based on increasing endogenous melatonin levels or applying melatonin treatments during storage.

According to the researchers, a deeper understanding of these processes could lead to more effective and sustainable postharvest technologies capable of maintaining fruit quality for longer periods while improving food supply chain efficiency.

Source

Wang, W., Liu, J., Zhang, D., Jia, D., & Yi, Q. (2026). The biosynthesis of melatonin in plants and the mechanism of its influence on the quality of harvested fruits. Horticulturae.