Mushrooms, they’re just like us Melatonin is a hormone you've probably heard of in the context of sleep regulation. It's not just found in humans or animals, it's also present in fungi, which are a type of organism that includes mushrooms and mold. Recent research has shown that melatonin does several important things for fungi. - Growth Melatonin helps fungi grow properly. It plays a part in morphogenesis, which is a fancy way of saying it helps fungi take on their correct shapes and structures. This includes forming their network of roots, known as mycelium, and the parts of fungi that we can see above ground, like mushrooms. - High in antioxidants Fungi, like all living things, can be damaged by environmental stresses such as too much sunlight (UV radiation) or toxic substances like heavy metals. Melatonin acts like a shield for fungi against these stresses. It neutralizes harmful molecules (because of its antioxidant properties) that could damage the cells of the fungi, and it helps reduce the build-up of heavy metals within the fungi's cells. - Synthesis The way fungi produce melatonin is pretty similar to how plants do it, which shows that melatonin is a crucial substance across different life forms in helping organisms manage stress and grow correctly. Potential applications that have emerged from understanding how melatonin functions in fungi, like… - Higher yield Applying melatonin externally can boost the early stages of mushroom growth, potentially leading to a higher overall yield of mushrooms. - All of the crops Treating mycorrhizal fungi (which form a symbiotic relationship with crops and help them absorb nutrients) with melatonin can enhance their beneficial effects and lead to stronger, more resilient plants. - Biocontrol agents Melatonin could also be used to make certain fungi more effective at protecting crops from pests and diseases, offering a natural alternative to chemical pesticides.