Abiotic stress responses in melon (Cucumis melo): Emerging underlying molecular mechanisms and biotechnological advances to cope with the issue

Abstract

Melon (Cucumis melo), a member of the Cucurbitaceae family, is consumed worldwide. In melon cultivation, abiotic stress has been found to negatively affect crop growth and productivity. Various biotechnological approaches can be used to ameliorate stress tolerance. Previous studies have investigated the effects of major abiotic stress conditions (e.g., drought, salt, cold and heat) on melon growth and development at the phenotypic and physiological levels, and are pivotal to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying abiotic stress responses in melons. This review aims at systematically reviewing current efforts to understand the abiotic stress biology in melon plants. In addition, we discuss several approaches (e.g., fertilization, breeding, genetic engineering) that have been examined to improve melon growth and production under stressful conditions.