Seed Priming: An Interlinking Technology between Seeds, Seed Germination and Seedling Establishment

Abstract

Biologically seed is a small embryonic plant along with either endosperm or cotyledons, enclosed with in an outer protecting covering called seed coat. During the time of seed development large metabolic conversions take place, including proper partitioning of photo-assimilates and the formation of complex polymeric forms of carbohydrate, protein and fats for storing as seed reserves. In developing phase of seeds, every detail information stored in the embryonic plant are genetically and sometimes epigenetically also predetermined and influenced by various environmental/external factors already faced by the mother plant. In the growth cycle of plants, seed germination and seedling establishment are the two critical phases where survivability of the seedlings in natural habitats is a matter of question until the onset of photosynthesis by the established seedling. The various sequence of complex processes known to occur in both the phases i.e., an array of metabolic activities are initiating which eventually leads to the renewal of embryo growth of the dormant seeds and ultimately seedlings are established. Efficient seed germination is an important factor for agricultural sciences and successful establishment of germinated seedling requires a rapid and uniform emergence and root growth. With these aspects of seed physiology kept in mind the present chapter will be designed in such a way where, a gap filling, inter linking, eco- and farmers\' friendly technology i.e., ‘seed priming’ (a pre-sowing partial hydration of seeds) will be considered to improve the rate and uniformity of germination and seedling establishment. Under optimal and adverse environmental conditions, the primed seeds of diversified species lead to an enhanced germination performance with increased vigor index has been reported by various scientists which indicates a good establishment of seedlings in the field and thereafter enhance the performance of crops as a whole.

Heat-Stress-Induced Changes in Physio-Biochemical Parameters of Mustard Cultivars and Their Role in Heat Stress Tolerance at the Seedling Stage

“…Efficient seed germination and early, rapid and uniform seedling emergence are determinants of effective plant stand in the field [ 33 ]. Mean germination time is one of the physiological indicators of seed vigor [ 34 ].…”

Seed Priming with Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes Grafted with Pluronic P85 Preserves the Functional and Structural Characteristics of Pea Plants

“…Among the different types of interactions between nanomaterials and plants, the seed priming technique emerges as a widely used approach for improvement of the germination process of a variety of crops [1,3]; however, its further elaboration continues to be of high research interest. The advancements in nanotechnology prompted the researchers to study novel nanomaterials as priming agents; however, this field is still in its infancy.…”

“…The process of seed germination is essential for agricultural practices-it needs to be uniform and rapid to achieve the best field performance characteristics and crop yields under different and constantly fluctuating environmental conditions (reviewed in [1]). A number of seed coating and priming techniques are being investigated and exploited to achieve beneficial effects, including recent advancements in agronanotechnology.…”