An introduction to nanopriming for sustainable agriculture

Abstract

Plant seeds are of paramount importance in the agricultural sector as well as plant life cycle, and are being severely threatened by environmental changes such as biotic and abiotic stress, resource deficiency, climate fluctuation, etc. Cue, nano¬priming, a nascent yet innovative approach to seed technology, combining versatility of nanoparticles and engineered nanomaterials with 'seed-priming' to induce adaptive physiological changes, thus, improving seed quality and crop yield. This study reported mechanisms by which nano-priming synchronizes seed germination, breaks seed dormancy, boosts seed vigor, increases tolerance to periodic stress conditions, assists phyto-microbiota to thrive under environmental uncertainties, creates nanopores in shoots along with upregulation of aquaporin genes for better water uptake, and other reported changes at molecular, biochemical level. Withal, this study offers insight on the future of nano-priming when blended with cutting- edge technologies like cold plasma, artificial intelligence, and digital analysis to revolutionize the agrarian sector. © 2023, IGI Global. All rights reserved.