Molecular Soil Biology 2025, Vol.16, No.2, 55-62 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/msb 59 planting of Hangzhou white chrysanthemums. A study has found that the combination of stress resistant substances such as Robinia pseudoacacia extract, chitosan, and melatonin can greatly enhance the environmental adaptability of Chrysanthemum morifolium. These treatments can regulate the physiological responses and gene expression of plants, allowing them to maintain a good state in the face of stress such as drought and salinity (Elansary et al., 2020; Luo et al., 2023) (Figure 2). Using special substrates such as zeolite soil to replace ordinary soil can also enhance the salt resistance of plants, indicating that the selection of planting substrates is also important (Amarin et al., 2021). Some people have also experimented with different shading rates and watering intervals, and found that adjusting the light and watering frequency appropriately can reduce the pressure on plants, allowing Hangzhou white chrysanthemums to maintain normal photosynthesis and transpiration even in water tight environments (Sahithi et al., 2020; Bdewi and Kadhim, 2024a; 2024b). Figure 2 Effects of melatonin on chrysanthemum seedlings and their chlorophyll content and photosynthetic capacity under drought stress (Adopted from Luo et al., 2023) Image Caption: (A)Phenotypes after 12 days of drought stress treatment. (B) Tr (Transpiration rate). (C) Pn (Net photosynthetic rate). (D) Ci (Intercellular carbon dioxide concentration); (E) Gs (Stomatal conductance). (F) RWC (Relative Water Content). (G) Chl (Chlorophyll content). (H) REC (Relative conductivity). CK, control; MT, exogenous melatonin treatment; PEG, drought stress; MT_PEG, drought stress with exogenous melatonin treatment (Adopted from Luo et al., 2023) Luo et al. (2023) also found that drought stress can lead to a decrease in photosynthesis in Hangzhou white chrysanthemum seedlings, a decrease in leaf water content and chlorophyll, and an increase in cell membrane conductivity, indicating that the cells have been damaged. However, if exogenous melatonin (MT-PEG) is used under drought conditions, these negative effects can be significantly alleviated. The transpiration rate, photosynthetic capacity, and water retention of the plant have all been improved. This indicates that melatonin can regulate photosynthesis and antioxidant systems, enabling Hangzhou white chrysanthemums to better withstand drought, providing new ideas for planting management under water deficient conditions. 7 Water Use Efficiency and Irrigation Strategy Optimization 7.1 Irrigation methods and water use efficiency Different irrigation methods can have a significant impact on the water use efficiency (WUE) of Hangzhou white chrysanthemum. For example, drip irrigation can directly deliver water to the roots of plants, so that water is used more accurately, not wasted, and can also improve the quantity and quality of cut flowers (Jawaharlal et al., 2017).
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