Abstract: Seed priming is a pre-sowing technique designed to improve germination, seedling vigor, and overall crop establishment. By partially hydrating seeds under controlled conditions, priming initiates early metabolic processes, ensuring faster and more uniform germination when sown. Various priming techniques—including hydropriming, osmopriming, biopriming, and hormonal priming—have been shown to enhance plant tolerance to environmental stressors such as drought, salinity, and extreme temperatures. Recent advancements incorporate nanotechnology, microbial inoculants, and bioactive compounds to optimize seed performance further. Additionally, automation and precision agriculture technologies are increasing the efficiency and scalability of seed priming. Despite its benefits, challenges such as variable efficacy across crop species, storage longevity, and economic feasibility remain. This paper explores the science behind seed priming, its advantages, limitations, and emerging research trends, emphasizing its role in improving agricultural sustainability and food security.
Author: Bheemavarapu Sri Varshith
Reference: 1. Ashraf, M., Foolad, M. R., & Harris, P. J. (2007). Improving crop resistance to abiotic stress through seed priming. Critical Reviews in Plant Sciences, 26(1), 36-72. 2. Bewley, J. D. (1997). Seed germination and dormancy. Plant Cell, 9(7), 1055- 1066. 3. Finch-Savage, W. E., & Bassel, G. W. (2016). Seed vigour and crop establishment: Extending performance beyond adaptation. Journal of Experimental Botany, 67(3), 567-591.
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