MdASMT9-mediated melatonin biosynthesis enhances basal thermotolerance in apple plants

High temperatures negatively impact the yield and quality of fruit crops. Exogenous melatonin (MT) application has been shown to enhance heat tolerance, but the response of endogenous MT to heat stress, particularly in perennial fruit trees, remains unclear. The present study investigated the effects of high temperatures on transgenic apple plants overexpressing the MT biosynthesis gene N-acetylserotonin methyltransferase 9 (MdASMT9). Endogenous MT protected transgenic plants from heat stress by increasing antioxidant enzyme activity and scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS), and protecting the chloroplasts from damage. Application of MT and overexpression of MdASMT9 also reduced abscisic acid accumulation through promoting MdWRKY33-mediated transcriptional inhibition of MdNCED1 and MdNCED3, thus inducing stomatal opening for better heat dissipation. Furthermore, MT-enhanced autophagic activity through promoting MdWRKY33-mediated transcriptional enhancement of MdATG18a under heat stress. These findings provide new insights into the regulation of endogenous MT and its role in improving basal thermotolerance in perennial fruit trees.