Nanopriming-mediated memory imprints reduce salt toxicity in wheat seedlings by modulating physiobiochemical attributes

Abstract

Background Around the globe, salinity is one of the serious environmental stresses which negatively affect rapid seed germination, uniform seedling establishment and plant developments restricting sustainable agricultural productivity. In recent years, the concepts of sustainable agriculture and cleaner production strategy have emphasized the introduction of greener agrochemicals using biocompatible and natural sources to maximize crop yield with minimum ecotoxicological effects. Over the last decade, the emergence of nanotechnology as a forefront of interdisciplinary science has introduced nanomaterials as fast-acting plant growth-promoting agents. Results Herein, we report the preparation of nanocomposite using chitosan and green tea (CS-GTE NC) as an ecofriendly nanopriming agent to elicit salt stress tolerance through priming imprints. The CS-GTE NC-primed (0.02, 0.04 and 0.06%), hydroprimed and non-primed (control) wheat seeds were germinated under normal and salt stress (150 mM NaCl) conditions. The seedlings developed from aforesaid seeds were used for physiological, biochemical and germination studies. The priming treatments increased protein contents (10–12%), photosynthetic pigments (Chl a (4–6%), Chl b (34–36%), Total Chl (7–14%) and upregulated the machinery of antioxidants (CAT (26–42%), POD (22–43%)) in wheat seedlings under stress conditions. It also reduced MDA contents (65–75%) and regulated ROS production resulting in improved membrane stability. The priming-mediated alterations in biochemical attributes resulted in improved final germination (20–22%), vigor (4–11%) and germination index (6–13%) under both conditions. It reduced mean germination time significantly, establishing the stress-insulating role of the nanocomposite. The improvement of germination parameters validated the stimulation of priming memory in composite-treated seeds. Conclusion Pre-treatment of seeds with nanocomposite enables them to counter salinity at the seedling development stage by means of priming memory warranting sustainable plant growth and high crop productivity.

Soil salinity regulates spatial-temporal heterogeneity of seed germination and seedbank persistence of an annual diaspore-trimorphic halophyte in northern China

“…Diaspore dormancy/germination and persistence/depletion of A. centralasiatica diaspores in the soil seedbank were influenced by the seasonal fluctuation of climatic conditions, which differed among the three diaspore types, soil salinity and burial depth. Burial at 5 cm, high salinity and non-salinity inhibited germination of non-dormant seeds of diaspore types B and C, while high-saline stress and shallow soil burial depth delayed depletion of diaspore A, B and C. Unlike most studies on halophytes in which optimum germination occurred in non-saline condition [ 29 – 35 ], diaspores of A. centralasiatica germinated better in low soil salinity than in non-saline soil.…”

Comparative Effects of Two Forms of Chitosan on Selected Phytochemical Properties of Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.)

“…This in turn alarms the cells of cell wall degradation, e.g., by pathogens [ 49 ], the activation of signal transduction pathways, and the initiation of a cascade of plant biochemical defence mechanisms associated with e.g., the accumulation of secondary metabolites. Moreover, chitosan can interfere positively with complex cellular networks, including cellular signalling, redox homeostasis, and transcription processes, thereby modifying plant metabolic activities [ 50 ].…”

Morphological and biochemical changes with hormone and hydro- priming applications in safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) seedlings under salinity stress conditions

“…Samea-Andabjadid et al (2018) reported that cytokinin and salicylic acid application to faba bean plant under salt stress in greenhouse conditions increased lipid peroxidation under stress conditions, but lipid peroxidation decreased with the effect of foliar application and cytokinin and salicylic acid application. Farooq et al (2022) It also reduced MDA contents (65-75%) and regulated ROS production resulting in improved membrane stability.…”

“…Golkar et al (2021) reported that the phenolic content increased under stress conditions. Farooq et al (2022) reported that in nanopriming, hydropriming and control applications of wheat seeds, TPC decreased as the priming doses increased. He et al (2022) Mesembryanthemum crystallinum L. primed with sea water under salt stress.…”