Lipopeptides from Bacillus atrophaeus MCM61 and melatonin suppress gray mold-induced oxidative stress in cut roses (Rosa hybrida L.) and improve vase life.

Abstract

Application of melatonin and lipopeptides (LPs) derived from Bacillus strains is considered an efficient strategy to control plant diseases at both pre and postharvest stages. However, the combined application of melatonin and LPs has not been studied yet. Therefore, the present study presents the synergistic effect of melatonin and LPs produced by Bacillus atrophaeus strain MCM61 against gray mold disease and its impact on quality parameters and vase life of cut roses. The stems of cut roses along with flowers were dipped in the melatonin solution at concentration (0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8 mM) and the results indicated that the vase life of flowers treated with the melatonin was enhanced compared to control. Melatonin at 0.6 mM concentration showed the highest vase life of cut roses at day 8. Synergistic treatment with melatonin and LPs of B. atrophaeus MCM61 revealed that MDA and H₂O₂ content showed the highest decrease in cut roses. Similarly, relative water content, total phenol content, GSH content, and defense enzymes i.e., APX, SOD, PPO, POD, and CAT activities were increased in cut roses treated with co-application of B. atrophaeus MCM61 LPs and melatonin compared to single treatments and control treatment. Furthermore, the longevity of cut roses was also improved in flowers treated with a combined application of MCM61 and melatonin compared to other treatments.