Nano-priming as emerging seed priming technology for sustainable agriculture—recent developments and future perspectives

Abstract

Nano-priming is an innovative seed priming technology that helps to improve seed germination, seed growth, and yield by providing resistance to various stresses in plants. Nano-priming is a considerably more effective method compared to all other seed priming methods. The salient features of nanoparticles (NPs) in seed priming are to develop electron exchange and enhanced surface reaction capabilities associated with various components of plant cells and tissues. Nano-priming induces the formation of nanopores in shoot and helps in the uptake of water absorption, activates reactive oxygen species (ROS)/antioxidant mechanisms in seeds, and forms hydroxyl radicals to loosen the walls of the cells and acts as an inducer for rapid hydrolysis of starch. It also induces the expression of aquaporin genes that are involved in the intake of water and also mediates H2O2, or ROS, dispersed over biological membranes. Nano-priming induces starch degradation via the stimulation of amylase, which results in the stimulation of seed germination. Nano-priming induces a mild ROS that acts as a primary signaling cue for various signaling cascade events that participate in secondary metabolite production and stress tolerance. This review provides details on the possible mechanisms by which nano-priming induces breaking seed dormancy, promotion of seed germination, and their impact on primary and secondary metabolite production. In addition, the use of nano-based fertilizer and pesticides as effective materials in nano-priming and plant growth development were also discussed, considering their recent status and future perspectives. Graphical Abstract

Biosynthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles via Leaf Extracts of Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don and Their Application in Improving Seed Germination Potential and Seedling Vigor of Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn

“…Another possible reason for faster seed germination could be the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that result from the entry of ZnO NPs in the area between the cell membrane and the intracellular space of the seed coat parenchyma. Elevated levels of ROS in seeds increased ion penetration as well as water and oxygen absorption, both of which are required for faster seed germination [30]. Rawashdeh et al [55] found that lettuce seeds (Lactuca sativa L.) treated with ZnO NPs had to have a higher Zn content than the control.…”

“…For this reason, the seed priming approach has been established to promote seed germination and vigor [30] in agricultural systems. In the present study, we developed lowcost biosynthesized ZnO NPs, yet the application of ZnO nanoparticles at a broader level has been unexplored.…”

Agronomic biofortification of food crops: An emerging opportunity for global food and nutritional security

“…Additionally, it promotes the activation of aquaporin genes, which are important for water intake, and the transport of H2O2, or ROS, across biological membranes. Nano-priming increases starch breakdown by activating amylase, which in turn promotes seed germination (Nile et al, 2022). Selenium priming may minimize the harmful effects of drought stress by altering the germination and metabolic properties of quinoa (Gholami et al, 2022).…”

From Farm-to-Fork: A pictorial Mini Review on Nano-Farming of Vegetables

“…Nanotechnology has a great contribution to the previous practices including both pre-and post-harvesting stages as well as the vegetable food processes. For example, seed priming using nanoparticles/nanomaterials is called nano-priming, which causes a physiological change in the seed that permits it to germinate more rapidly especially under abiotic and biotic stresses as well as for forest reclamation purposes (Nile et al 2022). Many open questions are answered in both Figs.…”