Integrative transcriptome and metabolome analyses reveal the mechanism of melatonin in delaying postharvest senescence in cowpeas.

Rapid postharvest senescence and quality deterioration severely limit logistics of cowpeas. Melatonin (MEL) is a pivotal bioactive molecule that can modulate multiple physiological attributes in plants. In this study, physiological, transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses were conducted to explore the effects of exogenous MEL on cowpea senescence and its underlying mechanisms.