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Review

Seed Priming Before the Sprout: Revisiting an Established Technique for Stress-Resilient Germination

by
Mohammad Saidur Rhaman
1,2
1
Department of Seed Science and Technology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh
2
Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8530, Japan
Seeds 2025, 4(3), 29; https://doi.org/10.3390/seeds4030029
Submission received: 26 May 2025 / Revised: 26 June 2025 / Accepted: 27 June 2025 / Published: 28 June 2025
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Abstract

Seed germination, a pivotal stage in the plant life cycle, profoundly impacts crop growth and establishment. However, fluctuating environmental conditions like drought, salinity, severe temperatures, and heavy metal toxicity impede seed germination rates and seedling vigor. Seed priming is a pre-sowing seed treatment that involves the controlled hydration of seeds, proven to improve germination rate and stress resilience. It initiates pre-germinative metabolism, including enzyme activity, antioxidant accumulation, hormone modulation, and cellular repair, without radicle emergence. Recent advancements in seed priming, encompassing the application of nanoparticles, phytohormones, and beneficial microbes, have significantly broadened its potential. Despite its proven benefits, challenges such as reduced seed longevity post-priming and variability in species-specific responses remain. This paper revisits the principles and methodologies of seed priming, highlighting its physiological, biochemical, and molecular mechanisms that enhance germination under stress conditions. Additionally, it addresses current challenges and future research directions for optimizing seed priming as a low-cost, eco-friendly approach to improve crop establishment under adverse environments, thereby supporting resilient and sustainable agriculture.

1. Introduction

Seed germination marks the critical onset of the plant life cycle and plays a pivotal role in determining crop establishment, overall growth success, and productivity [1,2]. However, seed germination and early seedling development are highly susceptible to environmental stressors such as drought, salinity, extreme temperatures, and heavy metal contamination, which pose a significant challenge to global agriculture by impairing seed germination rates, reducing seedling vigor, and ultimately affecting crop yield and food security [3].
To mitigate these challenges, research has focused on the implementation of different strategies such as the application of exogenous substances and the method of application [4,5]. Among the utilized methods, seed priming has emerged as a promising and sustainable approach to improve seed performance under adverse environmental conditions [6,7]. Seed priming is a pre-sowing treatment in which seeds are hydrated under controlled conditions to initiate key metabolic processes required for germination. It is well-reported that priming allows the seed to initiate a series of pre-germinative physio-biochemical and molecular events that enhance its ability to germinate quickly and uniformly upon sowing, even under stress conditions [8].
Seed priming is associated with the early activation of metabolic pathways that are typically initiated only after the onset of germination. These include increased enzyme activity (e.g., α-amylase, proteases) [9], enhanced antioxidant defense systems (e.g., accumulation of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione) [10], improved hormonal regulation, and cellular repair mechanisms that mitigate damage from oxidative stress [8]. These mechanisms collectively provide a “primed state” in seeds, facilitating accelerated imbibition, effective mobilization of stored reserves, and enhanced tolerance to abiotic stresses. In the last 10 years, substantial progress has been achieved in optimizing seed priming methods to improve their effectiveness and applicability. Traditional techniques such as hydro-priming, osmo-priming, halo-priming, and thermo-priming have been extensively employed in diverse crops with promising results [6,7,8]. Recent advances utilizing nanoparticles (NPs), phytohormones, and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) as seed priming agents have opened new avenues for improving seed vigor and stress resilience [6,11,12]. For instance, NPs-based priming has demonstrated potential in accelerating seed germination by enhancing nutrient absorption and reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging, whereas priming with exogenous hormones such as salicylic acid (SA) or jasmonic acid (JA) not only scavenges ROS but also modulates stress-responsive gene expression. Likewise, microbial priming introduces advantageous bacteria that can inhabit the rhizosphere, improve nutrient absorption, and stimulate systemic resistance to environmental stress [6,11,12,13].
Notwithstanding its advantages, seed priming possesses some limitations. It can diminish seed shelf-life, particularly under suboptimal storage conditions, due to premature metabolic activation and energy depletion [14]. The efficacy also differs among species, cultivars, and seed lots, necessitating crop-specific tuning of variables such as time, temperature, and priming agents [15,16]. Logistical and economic obstacles such as infrastructure deficiencies, farmer education, and alignment with existing practices can impede adoption, particularly in resource-constrained environments. Scalable and user-friendly protocols are essential for widespread adoption. To tackle these problems and fully exploit the advantages of seed priming, a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental physiological, biochemical, and molecular pathways is crucial. Progress in omics technologies, encompassing genomes, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, has started to elucidate the intricate regulatory networks associated with seed priming and stress responses [17]. For instance, transcriptomic investigations have detected differentially expressed genes associated with stress signaling, antioxidant defense, and hormone pathways in primed seeds [18,19], whereas proteomic analysis has uncovered alterations in storage proteins, stress-related proteins, and metabolic enzymes [20,21]. These insights can inform the creation of more focused and effective priming tactics, potentially facilitating precision seed treatments customized for particular environmental circumstances and crop needs.
This review seeks to deliver a thorough examination of seed priming as a method to improve seed germination and seedling establishment in the presence of abiotic stressors. It revisits the ideas and methodology of seed priming, clarifying the physio-biochemical and molecular mechanisms that support its advantageous effects. Furthermore, it discusses recent advancements in priming technologies, existing problems in their implementation, and prospective research avenues for enhancing their efficacy and scalability. Finally, this review will enhance our comprehension of seed priming to foster the creation of resilient, sustainable, and climate-adaptive agricultural systems.

2. Methods of Seed Priming

Seed priming entails regulated pre-sowing hydration followed by re-drying to improve germination efficacy, utilizing various chemicals according to particular physiological or environmental circumstances. Seed priming techniques are classified according to the priming agent employed, varying from basic water to intricate biological substances. Established methods include hydro-priming (water-soaking), osmo-priming (utilizing osmotic agents such as PEG), halo-priming (salt solutions), hormo-priming (plant growth regulators), and bio-priming (beneficial microorganisms) [22] (Figure 1). Each strategy addresses distinct physiological pathways, providing customized solutions for enhanced germination, stress resilience, and crop establishment. This section provides a brief overview of various seed priming methods and their comparative advantages.
Hydropriming is the most straightforward technique of all available approaches. It involves immersing seeds in water for a specific duration, subsequently followed by desiccation. It is economical and extensively utilized, particularly in resource-constrained environments, although it provides restricted regulation of water absorption. Nonetheless, it necessitates no chemicals and is easily adaptable at the farm level. It diminishes metabolic lag time for seed germination and is appropriate for a diverse array of crops, particularly in low-input agricultural systems [23,24].
Osmo-priming employs osmotic solutions like polyethylene glycol (PEG) or mannitol to modulate water absorption [25]. This facilitates the gradual hydration of seeds, preventing premature germination and enhancing synchronization. This technique facilitates accurate control of water potential, inhibiting complete seed imbibition and radicle emergence while simultaneously initiating essential metabolic activities [25,26]. In contrast to hydropriming or biopriming, osmopriming often employs sterile, non-biological fluids, hence reducing the likelihood of microbial contamination during the priming procedure. Osmo-priming is relevant to numerous species, particularly those with desiccation-sensitive seeds or those cultivated in stress-prone conditions [27,28].
Halo-priming entails immersing seeds in saline solutions such as KNO3, NaCl, or CaCl2. This approach regulates water absorption and provides beneficial ions, enhancing germination and stress resilience, especially in saline or drought-prone environments [29]. In contrast to techniques necessitating specialized chemicals or apparatus (e.g., PEG in osmopriming), halo-priming employs easily available, inexpensive salts, rendering it suitable for extensive or resource-constrained applications [29,30]. Halo-priming is relevant to various crops and can be tailored by modifying salt kinds and concentrations to accommodate individual species and environmental conditions.
Hormo-priming is a prevalent priming technique that involves the application of plant growth regulators, including gibberellic acid (GA3), SA, auxins, and ABA, among others. Hormo-priming boosts germination speed and uniformity while also improving seedling vigour in both ideal and stressful situations, including drought, salinity, or low temperature [6]. Hormo-priming affects hormonal equilibrium and stimulates particular metabolic pathways to improve germination and vigor [31]. In contrast to other priming techniques such as hydropriming or osmopriming, hormo-priming provides more specific physiological responses through the modulation of endogenous hormone concentrations. It can activate defense-related pathways, enhance antioxidant enzyme activity, and augment stress resilience more efficiently [6,32].
Bio-priming is an environmentally sustainable technique that integrates seed hydration with advantageous bacteria, like as Trichoderma, Azospirillum, or Pseudomonas spp. to improve nutrient absorption and resilience to stress [13]. It enhances germination and seedling development while providing enduring advantages via rhizosphere colonization [33]. In contrast to hydro-priming or chemical priming and bio-priming offers both physiological and biological benefits, including the generation of phytohormones and the control of pathogens [34,35]. It is more sustainable than osmo-priming or halo-priming, rendering it suitable for organic and low-input agriculture.
Although various priming methods exist, the selection of an optimal seed priming method is contingent upon seed type, environmental circumstances, and resource availability. Factors such as seed coat attributes, dormancy, and moisture sensitivity affect the selection of the approach for priming [36]. Moreover, environmental factors such as salinity, drought, or severe temperatures also influence the selection process. Basic techniques such as hydro-priming may be appropriate for small-scale agriculture, whilst other methods like osmo-priming, bio-priming, or hormo-priming are preferable for commercial enterprises. However, it is crucial to optimize priming conditions, including time, temperature, and treating dosage, for each specific environment. In addition, synchronizing priming techniques with crop needs and regional conditions enhances germination, stress resilience, and seedling vigor.

3. Mechanisms of Seed Priming

Seed priming is acknowledged for improving germination efficacy and seedling vigor by influencing many physiological, biochemical, and molecular mechanisms (Figure 2). To fully understand how priming accelerates germination, it is essential to summarize the key mechanisms involved. This section provides a concise overview of the underlying mechanisms through which seed priming promotes faster germination and improves responses to environmental stress.

3.1. Metabolic Activation

Priming reactivates metabolic processes crucial for germination, including respiration, protein synthesis, and enzyme activation [37]. Priming restores and reactivates mitochondria, enhancing ATP synthesis and supplying the energy necessary for early seed development. Furthermore, priming enhances the synthesis and activity of enzymes such as α-amylase and proteases [38]. These enzymes facilitate the degradation of stored nutrients in the endosperm or cotyledons, rendering them accessible to promote accelerated and robust seedling growth [8] (Figure 2). For example, seed priming enhances the α-amylase and proteases activities in rice under low and high temperatures [9]. In wheat, seed priming enhances carbohydrate and protein mobilization under salt stress by sustaining amylase and protease activities [39].

3.2. Osmotic Adjustment

Seed priming facilitates osmotic adjustment by enabling partial imbibition and controlled metabolic activation without radicle protrusion, thereby enhancing a seed’s capacity to withstand osmotic stress during germination. This controlled hydration phase allows the accumulation of osmo-protectants such as proline, soluble sugars, and inorganic ions, which contribute to maintaining cellular turgor under adverse conditions [40]. In osmo-priming and halo-priming treatments, seeds are exposed to low water potential solutions like PEG or saline water, which stimulate adaptive responses that modulate the seed’s internal osmotic potential. For example, salt-priming demonstrated promising effects on energy compartmentalization and photosystem II efficiency in maize, leading to improved physiological tolerance under salt stress [41]. In addition, sodium acts as an osmotic regulator during barley seed germination under saline conditions, enabling faster and more robust germination compared to purely osmotic stress environments [42]. Similarly, Irving and Zhang [43] showed that pre-soaking wheat seeds in water for 8 h before transferring them to PEG allowed seeds to build internal water reserves, improving their tolerance to subsequent osmotic stress. This suggests that early hydration plays a crucial mechanistic role by establishing favorable internal water gradients absent in unprimed seeds. Advanced imaging techniques such as micro-NMR have further confirmed the dynamic nature of seed hydration [44], yet such biophysical analyses remain underutilized in priming studies. Together, these findings underscore that priming-induced osmotic adjustment is a complex physiological process involving solute accumulation, water uptake regulation, and membrane stabilization, which are essential for enhancing seed performance under stress.

3.3. Hormonal Modulation

Seed priming influences the equilibrium of essential phytohormones that govern germination and initial seedling development. Abscisic acid promotes seed dormancy and suppresses germination [45]. However, priming decreases the ABA levels and has a positive impact on germination [46]. Concurrently, priming elevates GA levels, which facilitate the breakdown of seed storage reserves and stimulate radicle emergence [46,47] (Figure 2). Moreover, priming influences ethylene biosynthesis, which can antagonize ABA signaling and further facilitate germination, particularly under stress conditions [48]. Auxin modulation during priming may facilitate synchronized cell division and elongation, hence promoting consistent seedling development [49]. Collectively, these hormonal adjustments prepare the seed for faster, more synchronized germination and improved stress resilience. For example, studies in rice [50], lettuce [51], and stevia [31] have demonstrated that seed priming with GA and other phytohormones significantly enhances germination rate, seedling vigor, and tolerance to salt stress. This improved salt tolerance is primarily associated with elevated antioxidant enzyme activities and reduced lipid peroxidation, leading to decreased membrane damage. Such hormonal modulation facilitates rapid and uniform germination while enhancing the seedling’s capacity to withstand abiotic stress conditions.

3.4. Enhanced Antioxidant Defense

Seed priming augments the antioxidant defense mechanism by elevating the activity of enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and ascorbate peroxidases (APX) [6] (Figure 2). These enzymes collaborate to neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced after initial imbibition [52]. SOD converts superoxide radicals into H2O2, which is then decomposed by CAT and peroxidases. This enzymatic augmentation safeguards cellular constituents from oxidative damage and aids in preserving redox equilibrium [53]. Moreover, the regulated accumulation of ROS during priming functions as a signaling mechanism, activating genes associated with germination, hormone regulation, and stress responses, thereby facilitating accelerated and more robust seed germination [54].

3.5. Repair of Cellular Structures

Reports indicate that priming activates early repair mechanisms prior to germination, encompassing DNA repair and membrane reorganization [55]. These repairs reinstate genomic stability and augment membrane integrity, hence increasing solute transport and metabolic activity during rehydration [8]. Furthermore, priming facilitates protein quality control via chaperone activity and proteolysis [56]. Collectively, these mechanisms enhance seed viability, accelerate germination, and ensure more consistent seedling establishment.

3.6. Gene Expression and Epigenetic Changes

Seed priming induces notable gene expression and epigenetic modifications that improve seed performance in both stress and non-stress conditions [57]. During priming, regulated hydration initiates metabolic activities without completing germination. Therefore, this partial activation results in the overexpression of genes associated with stress responses, antioxidant defense, DNA repair, and hormone signaling [15,18]. For instance, ABA seed priming has been shown to activate IAA biosynthesis via upregulation of the YUCCA gene family, thereby enhancing auxin-mediated developmental responses and GA signaling pathways under drought stress in Sorghum bicolor. Furthermore, ABA priming modulated the expression of NAC transcription factors, with SbNAC21-1 identified as a key transcriptional activator intricately associated with auxin signaling [58]. Similarly, SA seed priming significantly increased the levels of GA3 in rice (Oryza sativa) seeds by upregulating Oryza sativa gibberellin 3-beta-dioxygenase 1 (OsGA3ox1) and OsGA20ox1, while concurrently reducing ABA accumulation through downregulation of Oryza sativa 9-cis-epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase 1 (OsNCED1). This hormonal reprogramming was linked to enhanced starch degradation capacity in primed seeds under chilling stress [59]. Concurrently, priming affects epigenetic processes like DNA methylation, histone changes, and small RNA activity, which can alter gene expression over extended periods [60]. These epigenetic modifications may establish a type of stress memory, enhancing resilience to subsequent stressors. For example, primed seeds frequently exhibit increased expression of genes associated with ABA and ROS detoxification [54]. This molecular reprogramming enhances germination rate, seedling robustness, and resilience. Consequently, gene expression and epigenetic alterations are pivotal to the improved physiological and adaptive responses facilitated by seed priming [60,61]. Recent studies have highlighted the pivotal role of epigenetic modifications in modulating soybean responses to salt stress. Salt stress-induced priming has been shown to trigger significant alterations in histone modifications, notably the enrichment of histone 3 lysine 4 dimethylation H3K4me2, H3K4me3, and H3K9ac marks, which are associated with transcriptional activation and enhanced salt tolerance [62]. Moreover, priming under salt stress conditions leads to global DNA hypomethylation, thereby contributing to chromatin relaxation and the upregulation of stress-responsive genes [60]. Repressive histone mark H3K27me3 exhibits dynamic redistribution during salt stress, correlating with the silencing of specific gene sets [63]. In addition, the activation of key salt-responsive transcription factors has been linked to epigenetic reprogramming involving both DNA demethylation and increased levels of active histone marks, such as H3K4me3 and H3K9ac [64].
In summary, seed priming prepares seeds for swift and robust germination via a complex array of mechanisms. Comprehending these fundamental processes facilitates the optimization of priming treatments, allowing for customization according to specific crops and environmental conditions, hence enhancing their implementation in sustainable agriculture.

4. Recent Advances and Applications in Seed Priming Agents

Recent years have witnessed substantial progress in seed priming technology, with an increasing focus on sustainability, climate resilience, and precision agriculture. These advancements have resulted in a variety of priming methodologies, the incorporation of molecular instruments, and increased implementation in agricultural systems, particularly in regions confronting abiotic stressors. This section explores cutting-edge developments in seed priming technologies and highlights their emerging applications and outcomes across diverse agricultural systems (Table 1).

4.1. Nano-Priming

Nano-priming has emerged as a widely adopted and promising seed priming technique, utilizing nanoparticles (NPs) such as zinc oxide, silver, and carbon-based materials to enhance germination and stress resilience [11]. This approach effectively improves seed germination, seedling vigor, nutrient uptake, antioxidant activity, and overall plant productivity by modulating morphological and physio-biochemical traits [11,79]. Numerous studies have demonstrated that NP-based priming enhances plant performance under both stress and non-stress conditions by mitigating oxidative damage and improving stress tolerance mechanisms [72,80,81]. For example, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been reported to enhance seed germination, photosynthetic efficiency, and antioxidant defense mechanisms in rice [72]. Similarly, seed priming with iron nanoparticles significantly improved germination and yield performance in watermelon (Citrullus lanatus), primarily through the modulation of antioxidant activity [77]. However, despite its benefits, NPs priming may induce phytotoxic effects depending on nanoparticle type, size, concentration, and exposure duration. Reported adverse impacts include reduced germination, inhibited root and shoot growth, delayed flowering, and decreased yield [79,82,83]. Therefore, the safe application of NPs in agriculture necessitates rigorous assessment of their environmental and biological impacts. Establishing appropriate regulatory, ethical, and waste management guidelines is essential to ensure their sustainable use in seed priming.

4.2. Priming with Elicitors

Priming using elicitors involves the application of natural or synthetic substances to seeds, which stimulate the plant’s defensive mechanisms and improve stress resilience [84]. Recently, several elicitors such as SA, jasmonic acid, chitosan, β-aminobutyric acid (BABA), and an array of microbial or plant-derived compounds have been widely used to hasten seed germination. These chemicals enhance the plant’s immune system, resulting in more rapid and robust responses to subsequent biotic or abiotic challenges [85]. Elicitor-primed seedlings frequently demonstrate superior germination rates, augmented antioxidant activity, and heightened tolerance to infections, drought, salinity, and temperature extremes [84,86,87].
Notwithstanding its advantages, elicitor-based seed priming encounters constraints. The efficacy is dependent upon the type of elicitor, its concentration, the species of plant, and the surrounding conditions. Excess use may result in phytotoxicity, inhibited growth, or metabolic disturbances [87]. Furthermore, a deficient comprehension of the fundamental molecular pathways hinders the establishment of consistent methods. High cost, complex preparation procedure, and restricted stability in field situations further impede extensive utilization. Additional study is required to enhance formulations and application techniques for the secure, reliable, and cost-effective implementation in sustainable agriculture.

4.3. Redox Priming

Redox seed priming utilizes redox-active chemicals, including H2O2, NO, and ascorbic acid, to improve seed germination, vigor, and stress resilience. These chemicals modulate ROS levels, activate antioxidant defense mechanisms, and enhance cellular redox equilibrium, thereby equipping plants for environmental stress. For instance, H2O2 priming improves morpho-physiological characteristics in several crops such as wheat, maize, and lettuce under different abiotic stresses [88,89,90]. H2O2 priming enhances plant tolerance to abiotic stresses by activating multiple physiological and biochemical pathways. It improves seed germination under stress by modifying hydrotime parameters and enhancing early water uptake [91]. The priming effect is largely attributed to strengthened antioxidant defenses, better osmotic adjustment, and the regulation of stress-responsive genes. Additionally, H2O2 priming supports improved photosynthesis and stomatal function, contributing to better growth under adverse conditions [92]. These mechanisms collectively enhance seed germination and plant resilience by reducing oxidative damage. Nonetheless, redox priming possesses constraints. The efficacy is significantly dose-dependent, and excessive ROS may lead to oxidative damage instead of signaling advantages [92]. Moreover, responses differ according to species and environmental conditions. The absence of established protocols and insufficient comprehension of long-term impacts impede wider implementation in field environments.

4.4. Electro-Priming

Electro-priming is a seed treatment technique that uses low-voltage electric fields to activate physiological and biochemical processes in seeds, thereby improving germination, seedling vigor, and stress resilience [93]. For instance, electro-priming of wheat (Triticum aestivum) seeds has been shown to enhance seed germination, promote early seedling growth, and modulate phytohormone ABA and IAA levels [69]. The electric field affects ion mobility, enzyme function, and membrane permeability, facilitating accelerated water absorption and metabolic activation [94]. Although electro-priming is environmentally sustainable and free from synthetic or artificial chemicals, it possesses several restrictions. The ideal voltage, exposure duration, and seed variety must be meticulously calibrated, as improper settings may harm seed viability [95,96]. The scalability and expense of specialist equipment may hinder its adoption, particularly in resource-constrained environments. Additional research is required to establish standardized protocols for wider application.

4.5. Plasma-Priming

Plasma seed priming is an innovative, non-chemical method that subjects seeds to cold plasma, a partially ionized gas with reactive species, to enhance germination, seedling vigor, and stress resilience [97]. This technique improves water absorption, stimulates antioxidant enzymes, and perhaps sterilizes seed surfaces by diminishing microbial burden [97,98]. Nonetheless, its practical application is constrained by variables including high equipment expenses, the requirement for specialized knowledge, and variable responses among plant species. Excessive exposure to plasma can damage seed structure and reduce viability [99]. The underlying mechanisms are still poorly understood, impeding protocol standardization and widespread agricultural use. Therefore, additional research is necessary to rectify these shortcomings.

5. Challenges and Future Directions

Although seed priming has the potential to improve germination rates, seedling vigor, and stress tolerance, several challenges restrict its broad implementation. Scalability continues to be a significant obstacle, especially in extensive commercial agriculture, where the uniform processing of huge quantities of seeds presents logistical challenges [16]. In addition, cost-effectiveness is a significant issue, particularly for smallholder farmers in resource-constrained environments who may be deprived of essential infrastructure or resources. Furthermore, the formulation of crop-specific procedures is crucial, as various species and even cultivars within a species exhibit distinct responses to priming treatments. This necessitates a comprehensive study and validation, hence hindering the standardization and widespread implementation of seed priming technology.
Primed seeds typically have a diminished shelf life and may yield uneven outcomes under diverse environmental conditions [14]. The process can be labor-intensive and susceptible to mistakes such as over-priming, thereby compromising seed viability. Furthermore, the potential for microbial contamination during soaking, along with the necessity for specific equipment in certain techniques, introduces complexity.
Future studies should concentrate on the integration of seed priming with precision agriculture technology, including seed coating methods and intelligent delivery systems. Creating priming procedures customized for certain crops, regions, and agricultural systems will enhance adoption. Moreover, integrating seed priming with breeding techniques for stress tolerance can collaboratively enhance agricultural performance throughout climate change. Moreover, the effects of seed priming should be studied at the molecular level, particularly through single-cell analysis, to better understand the underlying mechanisms. As single-cell technologies are gaining increasing attention in plant science [17], applying them to seed priming research could reveal how individual cells respond to treatment, leading to more precise and effective priming strategies.

6. Conclusions

Seed priming has re-emerged as an effective and adaptable technique for improving germination efficiency, seedling vigor, and stress resilience in various crops. The incorporation of priming techniques into crop production systems has substantial potential for enhancing sustainability and food security, as global agriculture confronts unprecedented challenges from climatic variability, soil degradation, and resource constraints. Recent improvements in seed priming, including traditional hydro-priming and osmo-priming as well as innovative techniques like nano-priming, electro-priming, and hormo-priming, clearly exhibit the ability to influence physiological, biochemical, and molecular responses in seeds before germination. These approaches not only improve resistance to abiotic stresses but also favorably affect phytohormone regulation, antioxidant activity, nutrient mobilization, and gene expression. Recent data highlights the significance of priming in triggering epigenetic alterations, indicating possible transgenerational advantages and enduring resilience. In conclusion, current advancements in seed priming provide significant potential to improve crop yield, sustainability, and climate resilience. Ongoing research, innovation, and field validation will be crucial for converting these advancements into practical, farmer-centric solutions.

Funding

This research received no external funding.

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to acknowledge the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) for supporting the author’s research activities and academic stay at Okayama University, Japan, which significantly contributed to the successful completion of this study.

Conflicts of Interest

The author declares no conflicts of interest.

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Seeds 04 00029 g001
Figure 1. Traditional and advanced methods of seed priming. Traditional methods encompass the utilization of agents such as water, PEG, saline solutions, plant growth regulators, and microorganisms, whilst advanced methods involve the application of nanoparticles, elicitors, low-voltage electricity, and cold plasma for seed treatment.
Figure 1. Traditional and advanced methods of seed priming. Traditional methods encompass the utilization of agents such as water, PEG, saline solutions, plant growth regulators, and microorganisms, whilst advanced methods involve the application of nanoparticles, elicitors, low-voltage electricity, and cold plasma for seed treatment.
Seeds 04 00029 g001
Seeds 04 00029 g002
Figure 2. Mechanisms by which seed priming agents enhance seed germination and seedling growth. Seed priming agents facilitate the fast absorption of water and nutrients, hence enhancing the activities of α-amylase and proteases. Moreover, stress-induced ROS are neutralized by priming-mediated antioxidant enzymes, and priming also modulates the gibberellin (GA) levels. Collectively, these actions diminish the stored nutrients and expedite sugar generation, hence enhancing seed germination and seedling growth. Straight or dotted arrows denote stimulation, enhancement, or activation of a given process. Inhibitory (T-shaped) arrows indicate inhibition of a given process.
Figure 2. Mechanisms by which seed priming agents enhance seed germination and seedling growth. Seed priming agents facilitate the fast absorption of water and nutrients, hence enhancing the activities of α-amylase and proteases. Moreover, stress-induced ROS are neutralized by priming-mediated antioxidant enzymes, and priming also modulates the gibberellin (GA) levels. Collectively, these actions diminish the stored nutrients and expedite sugar generation, hence enhancing seed germination and seedling growth. Straight or dotted arrows denote stimulation, enhancement, or activation of a given process. Inhibitory (T-shaped) arrows indicate inhibition of a given process.
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Table 1. Overview of different seed priming methods, their applications, and agronomic or physio-biochemical response across diverse crops.
Table 1. Overview of different seed priming methods, their applications, and agronomic or physio-biochemical response across diverse crops.
Different CropsSpeciesPriming MethodsAgronomic or Physio-Biochemical
Response		References
Field cropsBrassica napus L.Hydro-primingImproved the germination, growth, yield, and oil attributes of canola[65]
Triticum aestivum L.Hydro- and hormo-primingEnhanced seed germination, coleoptile, and radicle growth, hydrolytic enzyme activity, and nutritional quality[66,67]
Elicitor- (Chitosan) primingImproved germination percentage and seedling growth, and reduced oxidative damage.[68]
Electro-primingAccelerated seed germination and the rapid early growth of organs[69]
Medicago sativa L.Osmo-primingImproved seed germination performance, seedling growth, and antioxidant defense system[70]
Zea mays L.Redox- primingImproved root characteristics, relative leaf water content, total
chlorophyll content, photosynthetic rate, and uptake of Zn and K+		[71]
Oryza sativa L.Nano-primingImproved germination, enhanced photosynthetic efficiency, and a stronger antioxidant defense mechanism[72]
Bio-primingEnhanced morphological, physiological, and biochemical responses[35]
Hordeum vulgare L.Halo- and hormo-primingEnhanced germination and stress tolerance.[73]
Horticultural cropsMomordica charantia L.Hydro-primingIncreased germination rate and vigor index[74]
Chinese cabbage (B. rapa L.)Hydro-primingIncreased soluble sugar and protein content, and enzyme (CAT and POD) activities[75]
Broccoli (B. oleracea L. var. Italica)Osmo- and hormo-primingImproved glucosinolate metabolism and phenolics[76]
Citrullus lanatusNano-primingEnhanced germination attributes, soluble sugar contents, and high yield[77]
Solanum lycopersicum L.Halo-primingImproved seedling physiological and biochemical attributes[78]
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Rhaman, M.S. Seed Priming Before the Sprout: Revisiting an Established Technique for Stress-Resilient Germination. Seeds 2025, 4, 29. https://doi.org/10.3390/seeds4030029

AMA Style

Rhaman MS. Seed Priming Before the Sprout: Revisiting an Established Technique for Stress-Resilient Germination. Seeds. 2025; 4(3):29. https://doi.org/10.3390/seeds4030029

Chicago/Turabian Style

Rhaman, Mohammad Saidur. 2025. "Seed Priming Before the Sprout: Revisiting an Established Technique for Stress-Resilient Germination" Seeds 4, no. 3: 29. https://doi.org/10.3390/seeds4030029

APA Style

Rhaman, M. S. (2025). Seed Priming Before the Sprout: Revisiting an Established Technique for Stress-Resilient Germination. Seeds, 4(3), 29. https://doi.org/10.3390/seeds4030029

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