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ABSTRACT
Melatonin found in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) has important roles in its metabolism. Effects of exogenously applied melatonin on tomato plants under drought are unclear. Exogenous melatonin was applied to leaves of tomato seedlings treated with polyethylene glycol (PEG), which simulates drought, to evaluate the potential role of melatonin in drought tolerance. Total chlorophyll, some phenolic compounds, malondialdehyde (MDA) contents, and activities of antioxidant enzymes were measured. Exogenous melatonin increased total chlorophyll content and inhibited MDA content under PEG application. There was an increase in p-coumaric acid content and antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase, ascorbate peroxidase) due to melatonin application. Exogenous melatonin could help alleviate deleterious effects of PEG by enhancing antioxidant mediated defense and by increasing contents of some phenolics.