Nanotechnology Potential in Seed Priming for Sustainable Agriculture

Abstract

Our agriculture is threatened by climate change and the depletion of resources and biodiversity. A new agriculture revolution is needed in order to increase the production of crops and ensure the quality and safety of food, in a sustainable way. Nanotechnology can contribute to the sustainability of agriculture. Seed nano-priming is an efficient process that can change seed metabolism and signaling pathways, affecting not only germination and seedling establishment but also the entire plant lifecycle. Studies have shown various benefits of using seed nano-priming, such as improved plant growth and development, increased productivity, and a better nutritional quality of food. Nano-priming modulates biochemical pathways and the balance between reactive oxygen species and plant growth hormones, resulting in the promotion of stress and diseases resistance outcoming in the reduction of pesticides and fertilizers. The present review provides an overview of advances in the field, showing the challenges and possibilities concerning the use of nanotechnology in seed nano-priming, as a contribution to sustainable agricultural practices.

Sustainable Agriculture through Multidisciplinary Seed Nanopriming: Prospects of Opportunities and Challenges

“…Nanopriming, a technique that involves seeds soaking in nanomaterials, has been shown to facilitate germination and growth by allowing nanoparticles to penetrate the seed coat and increase water uptake. When compared with unprimed seeds or seeds treated with other priming agents, nanopriming improves storage, quality, seedling emergence, yields, and tolerance to environmental stress [ 7 ]. In addition, nanopriming of seeds can help prevent diseases caused by pathogens present in seeds.…”

“…A nanopriming process can alter the metabolism of seeds and signalling pathways, thereby influencing their germination and growth. In addition to affecting almost every existing scientific field, nanoparticles can gain significant impact on agricultural sustainability by being introduced to the agricultural domain [ 7 ]. Studies have demonstrated that nanoparticle application can stimulate germination and growth of plants in numerous ways.…”

“…A general rule concerning seed nanopriming does not exist, and there is no clear trend regarding priming responses depending on the taxonomic position of the species. As a result of some nanopriming treatments, there is a possibility of contamination of the medium with fungi and bacteria, which may greatly hinder subsequent seed germination [ 7 ]. A seed that has been nanoprimed is dried back to its original moisture content, but this process is done faster than the dehydration of mature seeds.…”

“…A seed that has been nanoprimed is dried back to its original moisture content, but this process is done faster than the dehydration of mature seeds. Several researchers have hypothesized that brutal desiccation procedures alter the effects of nanopriming [ 7 ]. As a consequence, nanoprimed seed material can be less stable, and higher maintenance costs for seed companies and farmers are consequently incurred.…”

“…In light of leaching, degradation, hydrolysis, and pollution associated with conventional chemical-based practices, they are being discouraged [ 2 ].There is an urgent need to develop a sustainable technology that can contribute to the green revolution to address these growing concerns and to restore the damage caused to the ecosystem [ 3 ]. Seed priming is an innovative sustainable seed technology to increase the seed vigor and crop production without harming the ecosystem [ 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 ]. As mentioned in Figure 1 , priming of seeds dates back to Theophrastus, (371–287 B.C.)…”