Review Article

Nutripriming for improved growth and yield in cereals

ABSTRACT

The fundamental building blocks for the success of stand establishment for any crop plant are

better germination and robust seedlings. Pre-treatment of the seeds is one of the best methods

that may possibly improve germination and maintain the uniformity and stability of the

seedlings.Primed seeds usually exhibit synchronized and early germination and sometimes

greater total germination percentage over a range of environmental conditions.This

enhancement has been linked to osmotic correction, metabolic repair during imbibition, and

the accumulation of chemicals that promote germination. Nutri-priming is a good alternative

to meet plant nutritional requirements.Seed priming with macro or micronutrient

(nutripriming) application has been recently done on various agronomic crops including rice,

maize and wheat; lead to better germination and establishment.It aims to combine the positive

effects of hydro priming with the nutritional aspect of fertilizers.Crop seeds can be primed

with either micro or macronutrients, which improves the nutrient content and increases the

germination, sprouting, and water uptake efficiency. Because of the little amount of nutrition,

the more uniform application, and the absorption efficiency, nutripriming has become

recognized as a potential strategy to improve crop performance. Due to readily available food

during germination, primed seed are better able to complete the process of germination in a

short time and cope with environmental stresses including low temperatures.Greater tolerance

to environmental stresses helps to overcome dormancy.Primed crop seeds emerge faster and

grow more vigorously. They also flower earlier, mature earlier and give higher yields.In fact,

it may be regarded as a useful method for enhancing crop establishment in regions with
unfavourable agro-climatic conditions (rainfed, dry farming, and dry land farming) with

increased yield, tolerance to stressful situations, resistance to diseases, crop competitiveness

against weeds, and water use efficiency.Note (Abstract should be at least 200 words

Keywords:Nutripriming; germination; seedling vigour; higher yield;environmental stress

1. INTRODUCTION

In addition to being necessary for our dietary requirements, cereal grains are also used

in industrial processing and as animal feed. All members of the grass family (Poaceae), the

cereal species of agricultural importance are rice, wheat, maize, rye, barley and oats. The

fundamental building blocks for successful stand establishment of any crop plantare better

germination and robust seedlings. Pre-treating seeds is one of the the(delete the repeat

ward)most efficient technique for improving the process of germinationand ensuring

uniform stability in seedlings[1]. Seed priming is a pre-sowing technique which involves

partially hydrating seeds to start germination-related metabolic processes before the radicle

actually emerges [2]. Seeds that primed frequently showed earlier and more coordinated

germination, as well as a higher percentage of germination overall environmental

circumstances [3][4][5]. Thisenhancement has been linked to osmotic adjustment., metabolic

restoration that occurs after imbibition and the accumulation of substances that promote

germination. These effects are connected to the swift reinitiation of RNA and protein

synthesis, the production of germination-promoting substances, early DNA replication,

increased ATP availability, and cellular structure restoration, osmotic adjustment, and

occasionally, enhanced activity of defense(Check the spelling)enzymes and

antioxidants[6].
 The osmotic potential of the mediumgetslowerd (Check the spelling)by the

addition of salts to the priming solution, thereby regulating the rate of hydration ofseed [7].

The improved performance associated with priming is linked to the repair and increased

protein production, membrane repair, synthesis of nucleic acids and enhanced antioxidant

systems [8][9][10]. Nutripriming seeks to merge the benefits of hydropriming (which

involves hydration of seed without osmotic agents) with the nutritional advantages of

fertilizers. Nutri-priming is an effective method for addressing plant nutritional needs [11]. It

holds significant potential for improving seed germinationandestablishment of crop in

conditions of limited soil moisture[12]. When seeds are primed with micronutrients, they can

quickly absorb water, resume metabolism, and initiate germination. This leads to better stand

establishment, increased resistance to pests and drought, and ultimately higher

yields[13].Recently, Nutri-priming, or seed priming with macro or micronutrient treatments,

were used recently on a number of agronomic crops, such asrice,maize, wheat [14][15][16]

and lead to better germination and establishment.

2. CURRENT STATE OF SEED PRIMING

Seed priming is an effective technique for boosting productivity of crop. Farmers in

Botswana, Malawi, Zimbabwe, India, Nepal, and Pakistan commonly use hydropriming as a

seed priming method. The Centre for Arid Zone Studies (CAZS) has set "safe limits" for

priming ofupland rice, maize andwheat in on farm,specifying the maximum duration seeds

can be soaked.

This seed priming appears to be a good and extensively used technology. In thirty on-

farm studies, it resulted in an average yield increase of 50 per cent. Specifically, on-farm seed

priming boosted maize yields by approximately 22 per cent in Zimbabwe and India, wheat
yields by about 37 per cent in India and Pakistan, and upland rice yields by around 70 per

cent in West Africa [17].

3. SEED PRIMING PROCESS

The development of a number of priming techniques, such as biopriming, or treating

seed with microorganisms(Give the specific name of microorganism for

treating the seed),hydropriming,halopriming,osmo-priming,matrix priming,

osmohardening, hormone or growth regulator priming, on-farm priming and micronutrient

seed priming (Nutripriming)has led to an improvement in seed quality. Seed priming involves

partially hydrating seeds to initiate metabolic activity in a controlled way, preparing them to

start essential pre-germination processes.

During seed priming, several key adjustments take place, including growth of the

embryo, modifications to the tissues surrounding the embryo in the endosperm, breaking

dormancy, and improvement of pre-germination metabolism. As a result of these processes,

primed seeds exhibit higher germination rates, earlier and more uniform germination, faster

emergence, improved growth characteristics and improvedcrop establishment [18].

4. SEED GERMINATION PROCESS

Rapid and synchronized crop emergence, along with quick root development, is crucial for

successful crop establishment. Seed germination generally involves three distinct phases such

as Imbibition phase, the activation phase, and the germination phase, during which the root

and hypocotyl emerge from the seed. Both Phase I and III involve an increased water

contentand hydrationoccurs stable in phaseII. Germination remains reversible until the end

ofphaseII, allowing seeds to be dried and stored while still remaining viable. They can

reinitiate germination under favourable conditions. Priming treatments are applied during this

reversible stage of germination. These treatments weredifferent according to the osmotic

potential of priming solution,length of priming process, the temperature in which the priming

process occurs, and the chemicals utilized.

5. FACTORS AFFECTING PRIMING

Temperature, aeration, light, lengthand seed quality are the main variables that influence seed

priming[19].

Aeration:It affects the seed viability and respiration, that helps in timely germination and

ensures a safer seed habitat. Aeration has different effects depending on the species.

Light:The impact of light on seed priming varies significantly between species. The quality

of light influenced the action of seed priming.

Time:The length of the priming process depends on the temperature and osmotic potential of

the solution at which priming occurs.

Temperature:Radicle emergence during priming may be restricted if the soaking is

maintained below the ideal temperature.

6. METHODS OF SEED PRIMING

6.1 Conventional methods of seed priming

6.1.1Hydro-priming: Hydro-priming is a cost-effectivemethod in which seeds were

soaked in water for a particular time period then dried to a specific moisture content prior

to sowing [20][21]. This method is better in adverse environmental circumstances, like

intense heat and drought stress, because it improves seed hydration and water uptake

efficiency [22].

6.1.2Osmo-priming:Osmo-priming is a seed treatment technique that is most effective at

higher water potentials (−0.3 to −1.5 MPa) and with shorter priming durations of 12 hours

to 2 days [23][24][25][26]. When using more negative water potentials and/or extending
priming times, oxidative processes can occur, leading to the accumulation of substances

that are harmful to germination [27]. Most frequently used as a solute for osmo-priming is

high-molecular-weight polyethylene glycol (PEG). It induces high osmotic pressure and

thereby modifies the availability of water in the germination medium[28]. However, high

concentrations of PEG lead to increased viscosity, which limits oxygen transfer and

necessitates effective aeration during the priming process.

6.1.3Halo priming:Halo-priming induces a physiological response in seeds that enhances

their stress memory, enabling plants to react swiftly and effectively to upcoming abiotic

stresses [29]. Plant stress memory is preserved through seed halo-priming and exposure to

osmotic stress [30][31]. As a result, mild pretreatment stress can enhance tolerance to

subsequent stresses [31]. Thus, seed halo-priming is highly effective in boosting plant

tolerance to unfavourable environmental conditions and improving grain yield [32]

[33][34][35][36].

6.1.4Solid matrix priming:This process involves mixing moistened seeds with an

organic carrier and adjusting the moisture content of the mixture to just below the level

needed for seed sprouting. Solid matrix priming can further improve the effectiveness of

antagonists in treated seeds, as they proliferate on the seed surface during the priming

process, thereby increasing the number of propagules [37].

6.1.5Bio-priming:Bio-priming is another method of seed priming where seeds soaked in

a solution containing bio-control agents, such as bacteria. This treatment activates

specific signalling (Check the spelling)pathways during early stages of crop

development, leading to quicker plant defense(Check the spelling )responses.

Compared to chemical treatments, bio-priming offers several benefits, including being

more cost-effective, time-efficient, environmentally friendly, and enhancing desirable

traits in the treated seeds.

 6.1.6Nutripriming: Nutrient priming is the process of saturating seedlings with a

particular amount of nutrients for a set of time prior to planting [38]. Seeds can be primed

with micro or macronutrients, which improves the nutritional content, increases the

germination, sprouting, and water absorption efficiency.

6.1.7Priming with plant growth regulators: The addition of plant growth regulators

(PGRs) to seedlings mitigates the detrimental effects of various kinds of environmental

conditions [29].

6.1.8Priming with Plant Extract: Steroids, alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids, saponins,

phenolic compounds, and flavonoids are examples of allelochemicals that can either

impede or promote plant growth. Saponins can enhance nutrient absorption due to their

high solubility in water. Satish et al. [39] showed that alkaloids, phenolic compounds and

saponins found in the leaves of most of the plants contribute antioxidant activities and

offer protection against pathogens.Plant Extract (give the example of plants, if

possible)

6.2 Advance method of seed priming

6.2.1Seed Priming with Nanoparticles: Nanotechnology, which uses particles with a

size of less than 100 nm, offers a potential future in altering agriculture and food

production [40].

6.2.2Seed Priming through PhysicalAgents: Some physical agents employed for seed

priming include the UV radiation, X-rays, gamma radiation,magnetic fieldand

microwaves [41]. It was discovered that priming with a magnetic field increased seedling

biomass, seedling vigour, germination rate and resistance to different environmental

conditions.

7.MERITS OF SEED PRIMING

Priming the seed enhances establishment of seedlings and helps in uniform germination,

leading to more efficient harvesting and potentially higher crop yields [19]. It enhances a

number of parameters related to seed performance, including seedling vigour,mean

germination time,germination index and speed of germination. Compared to unprimed seeds,

primed seeds typically yield more because they function better in a number of situations,

especially when the environmental conditions are not ideal, such as excessive moisture and

severe temperatures.Caseiroet al. [42] said thatincreasedadaptation to adverse conditions of

environment helps to overcome thedormancy.

8. DEMERITS OF SEED PRIMING

 Priming requires precise temperature and timing; failing to adhere to these conditions

can lead to embryo protrusion and seed deterioration.

 Osmotic seed treatment can be costly.

 Continuous aeration of seeds in the solution is necessary; otherwise, seeds may suffer

from the adverse effects of insufficient oxygen.

 As the treatment is done over a long period, it is important to take proper precautions

to prevent microbial contamination.

9. EFFECT ON NUTRIENT USE EFFICIENCY

Priming can inmprove(Check the spelling)the efficiency of nutrient utilization by

inducing the overexpression of genes that code for certain transporters. Singh et al.

[43]described that by increasing nitrate reductase enzyme activity, this helps plants for better

absorption of nitrogen. Phosphorus priming in cereals led to a reduction in infestation by

Strigahermonthica(parasitic weed)[44]. Phosphorus uptake can be enhanced through

nutripriming with phosphorus in rice[45].Ahmed et al. [46]discovered that priming seeds

with silicon (Si) had increased the Si content in plants, thereby enhancing their resistance

toabiotic and biotic stresses. According to Harris et al.[15] investigation into the effects of

nutripriming with zinc (Zn) on maize yield attributes showed that total biomass, yield of

(grain, cob and straw), shelling percentage, and thousand grain weight were all comparable to

seed priming with 1 per cent Zn, and applying 2.75 kg Zn per hectare to the soil.

10. NUTRIENT PRIMING

Nutrient priming refers to the process of saturating seeds with a particular nutrients

levels for a predetermined amount of time prior to planting [38]. It seeks to integrate the

benefits of hydropriming with the nutritional advantages of fertilizers.Crop seeds primed with

macro or micronutrients, increasing the nutrient content and increasing the efficiency of

germination, sprouting, and uptake of water. Seed priming withmicronutrient is a widely

recognized technique for enhancing osmosis for water management in seeds during

germinationprocess [47].

Similarly, the most successful method is macronutrient seed priming [48]. For

instance soaking the crop seeds in potassium can increase the plant's ability to withstand

various environmental stress conditions.In case micronutrient seed priming, priming wheat

with Zn solutions can increase grain yield [49]. Similar to this, Harris et al.[50] said that Zn

priming can help plants overcome Zn deficit in moderately deficient soils like alkaline soil.

According to Shivay et al.[38] it enhances crop growth productivityand nutrient uptake.

11. EFFECT OF NUTRIPRIMING ON CROP PRODUCTION

The method of controlling a seed moisture content to promote the metabolic

processes necessary for germination while inhibiting radicle emergence is known as seed

priming.Radicle emergence needs high water content in seed. After sowing, seeds typically

spend a considerable amount of time for absorbing water from the soil. Research has shown
that primed seeds emerge more quickly, grow more vigorously, flower earlier, mature sooner,

and produce higher yields.According to Farooq et al.[51] and Rehman et al. [52] seed

priming is a straightforward and cost-effective technique that involves soaking the seeds in a

solution that containing various salts, nutrients, or other osmotic agents for a specific period,

followed by drying before sowing process.

11.1 Influence of nutripriming on growth and yield

Nutripriming seeds boosts germination uniformity rate and speed even under

suboptimal field conditions, thereby promoting the development of a consistent and healthy

crop stand.Farooq et al.[51] found that the readily available nutrients during germination

enable primed seeds to complete the germination process more quickly and effectively

manage adverse environmental conditions, including low temperatures [53] [18].Seed

priming with nutrients also substantially increase the number of total and fertile tillers.

11.1.1Rice

An experiment was conducted by Ancy et al. [54] run to determine how nutripriming

affected the tray nursery method for rice. The seeds cultivated in seedling trays filled with a

growth medium undergone the following nutripriming treatmentscomposed of 60% rice husk

charcoal, 20% coir pith compostand20% soil: 0.01% borax, 0.05% ZnSO4, 0.1% urea,

combinations of urea along with borax and ZnSO4, 1% PGPR mix I and 1% Pseudomonas

fluorescens. Among these, the combined application of urea, zinc, and borax proved to be the

most effective for optimizing seedling and mat growth parameters.

Therefore, it was determined that nutripriming with 0.1% Urea + 0.05% ZnSO4 + 0.01%

Borax was a better.

A field trial attempted by Farooq et al.[18] to improve seedling yield of nursery rice

(Oryza sativa L.) by applying seed treatment and to find theeffect of seed treatment on yield
after planting. The priming agents used during the study are pre-germination, hydrogen

priming for 48 hours, vitamin priming with 10 ppm ascorbic acid for 48

hours,osmohardening with CaCl2and KCl(ψs-1.25 MPa) for 24 hours, and seed hardening for

24 hours. The germination rate, spread, root and shoot length, fresh and dry weight of the

seedlingsnitrogen content of the seedlings,number of secondary roots, activity of α-amylase

and total sugars were all improved by all priming techniques. The best results were obtained

by osmocuringby CaCl2, which was followed by hardening and osmohardening with KCl.

This method demonstrated superior germination rate,seedling vigournesand starch

metabolism.

However, untreated rice also showed improved starch metabolism during osmosis

with KCl. Higher concentrations of calcium (Ca) and potassium (K) were noted in seeds

osmohardened with CaCl2 andKCl. The highest yields of straw and grains, together with the

best yield index, were obtained through osmohardening with fine rice (CaCl2) and coarse rice

(KCl). Higher nitrogen concentration in seedlings and decreasing sugars were associated with

more secondary roots and increased α-amylase activity, respectively.

Boron (B) is one of the most important micronutrients that rice needs especially

during reproduction. Farooq et al. [7] looked into the possibility of boron nutrients to enhance

rice germination and early plant growth in a laboratory study.Super Basmati, a fine-grained

fragrant rice variety, was prepared with aerated boron (B) solutions at 0.5%, 0.1%, 0.01% and

0.001% (w/v) concentrations where untreated dry seeds serving as the control. In terms of

germination time, germination percentage, germination rate, germination energy and mean

germination time, seed priming in 0.1% and 0.001% B solutions increased germination by up

to 50%. Higher concentrations had minimal or no adverse effects on the rice seeds.
 In cases treated with diluted B solution i.e. 0.001%, plumule length,radicle lengthand

secondary roots were better than other treatments, because inhibition of thesetraits was

observed with B treatments except the control. Priming seeds in a highly concentrated boron

(B) solution, specifically 0.5%, entirely inhibited both germination and growth.

The investigation was conducted by Afreen et al. [55]for both the nursery and the

transplanted field in the paddy var.ShabhagiDhan to examine how iron and zinc

micronutrient treatments to paddy seed affect development and productivity. A single seed lot

was treated with four different concentrations of ZnSO4 and FeSO4 solutions (0.25%, 0.5%,

1.0%, and 2.0%) at room temperature for 24 hours. In the nursery, ZnSO4 at 1.0% produced

the tallest seedlings, FeSO4 at 2.0% resulted in the highest seedling biomass, FeSO4 at 0.5%

achieved the highest zinc concentration, and ZnSO4 at 0.5% yielded the highest iron

concentration.

In a transplanted field trial, treating seeds with FeSO4 (0.5%) significantly increased

the number of tillers per square metre and panicles per square meter compared to both the

control and hydropriming. ZnSO4 (1.0%) treatment resulted in higher iron and zinc content in

the plants compared to the control and hydropriming. Meanwhile, FeSO4 (2.0%) treatment

led to notable improvements in the height of plant, number of productive tillers per hill,

panicle length, seed yield per hill, and harvest index per hill.

By using several priming procedures, including on-farm priming, hydropriming,

hardening, and osmohardening using CaCl2 and KCl, research was carried out by Rehman et

al. [52] to examine the on-farm evaluation of direct seeded rice. The control group used

untreated seeds. Osmohardening with CaCl2, followed by KCl, led to increased plant height,

more tillers, higher straw and kernel production, an improved harvest index, and a stronger
crop stand. This was demonstrated by reduced time to emergence, higher emergence index

and final emergence, enhanced crop growth rate, and improved plant height.

11.1.2 Wheat

Iqbal et al.[16] aimed to maximize the benefits of seed priming treatments with B in

order to improve wheat germination and early seedling growth and development. Mairaj

(2008) and Faisalabad (2008) wheat cultivar seeds were soaked in aerated B solution at

different concentrations (0.001, 0.01 & 0.1% w/v) for a duration of 12 hours. Regarding

controls, there were dry seeds that were not treated and seeds that were hydroprimed for 12

hours. Wheat seedlings primed in 0.01% and 0.001% boron (B) solutions showed a reduction

in both 50% GTand MGT, although ultimate germination rates remained unaffected. Seed

priming with 0.001% boron (B) also enhanced shoot and root length, along with increasing

seedling dry weight.For more uniform plant stands and earlier seedling growth, priming

wheat seeds with 0.001% B is recommended.

Poor crop stand and production are caused by zinc (Zn) deficiency, a significant

micronutrient disease in wheat. Rehman et al.[56] conducted two experiments, one in sand-

filled pots and the other in Petri plates, to examine the effect of different Zn seed priming

treatments on growth of seedlings and stand development of two bread wheat cultivars.

ZnCl2and ZnSO4solutions in concentrations of 1.0, 0.5, 0.1, 0.05 and 0.01M were utilized for

priming seeds for a duration of 12 hours. Hydropriming (HP) and dry seeds were utilized as

controls.In(give the space)the Petri plate experiment, hydropriming improved seed

performance, but priming with Zn improved seedling size, final germination, and rate of

germination (reduced mean germination time) even more. The most significant improvements

were observed with priming using 0.1 M ZnCl2and0.5 M ZnSO4. These treatments are more

effective than others in the experiment conducted with sand-filled pots, enhancing
cropestablishment and seedling development in both cultivars. However, enhancing the

concentration of Zn solutions beyond 0.5 M ZnSO4and 0.1 M ZnCl2proved detrimental.

Therefore, a 0.5 M ZnSO4 solution is recommended for priming wheat seeds to boost early

seedling development and stand establishment.

A study was done by Choudhary et al. [57] to see how two varieties ofwheat, HUW-

234(V1) and BHU-3.(V2), responded to various priming treatments in both laboratory and

field conditions. Seeds of wheat varieties were primed with water (hydro), ZnSO4, Mg

(NO3)2and a mixture of the two salts. The effects of treatmentpassed on to the germination

and vegetative phases of growth, as was observed. The effectiveness of non-primed control

seeds served as the baseline for all comparisons. Maximum germination percentage was

noted with Mg (NO3)2, while maximum root and shoot lengths, dryand freshweights for both

varieties were recorded in combination of two salts.

Primed sets were consistently found to be superior than non-primed controls, despite

the fact that vigour index I and II indicated varietal differences.Studying the performance of

plant height,fresh and dry weights, leaf number and area, of all leaves, and stem under the use

of both salts namely, ZnSO4 andMg (NO3)2 showed the greatest performance.

The conclusion is that priming seeds with ZnSO4andMg (NO3)2 increased growth

characteristics in the field and functioned synergistically at the varietal level.

Reis et al. [58] examined the effects of priming seeds with various doses (1 mg L-1 to

8 mg L-1) of Zn and Fe on bread wheat variety "Jordo" germination, mitosis, and yield as

compared to control. Overall, the findings indicate that micronutrient levels exceeding 4 mg

L⁻ ¹ have a detrimental effect on germination. More specifically, concentrations of Fe and Zn

above 2 mg L⁻ ¹ cause a considerable an increase in the proportion of abnormal cells

anddecrease in the mitotic index. It has been demonstrated that treatments containing 8 mg
L⁻ ¹ of Zn and 8 mg L⁻ ¹ of Fe had a detrimental effect on grain yield, mitosis, and

germination. On the other hand, seed priming containing 2 mg L⁻ ¹ Zn and 2 mg L⁻ ¹ Fe

results in a high germination rate (80%) and a normal cell division rate (90%).

An experiment conducted by Sarlachet al. [59] had eight treatments which includes:

(T1)control,(T2) hydro priming,(T3)10 g/ml cobalt chloride priming, (T4)15 g/ml cobalt

chloride priming,(T5) 1.0% potassium nitrate priming, (T6), 2.0% potassium nitrate priming,

(T7)0.5% calcium chloride priming, and(T8)calcium chloride 1.0% priming. Results showed

that after 24 hours of priming, the treatments T4 (15 g/ml CoCl2 priming) and T6 (2. 0%

KNO3) were equal in terms of seedling length, seedling vigour index,andseedling fresh

weight. Mean days to germination (MDG) were likewise shorter in all treatment groups

compared to controls. In the field trial, seed priming for 12 hours with 15 g/ml CoCl2 and

2.0% KNO3 significantly increased grain production compared to control. With 15 g/ml

CoCl2 and 2.0% KNO3, grain production increased by 19.98% and 18.3% after just 12 hours

of seed priming. Water priming (T2) and CaCl2 0.5% priming (T 7), however, resulted in a 24

hour grain yield that was lower than the control. It is possible to draw the conclusion from

this study that 12 hours of seed priming is helpful to improve uniform seedling emergence

and to increase wheat grain production.

11.1.3 Maize

The purpose of this study by Canak et al. [60] was to compare the effects of different

seed priming techniques on the germination characteristics of maize at varied temperatures.

Seeds were primed in water (hydropriming) and (0.1% and 0.5 %) of KNO3 by soaking at

25oC for 17h. At 25°C, 15°–25°C, and 15°C, germination parameters were examined. Some

aspects of seed germination at low and mixed temperatures responded favourably to seed

priming. The most beneficial treatment was 0.5% KNO3 treatment. During the low and
mixed-temperature treatments, Time to 50% germination and Mean Germination Time

(MGT)were decreased. According to the study, seed priming with KNO3 can be utilized to

improve seedling establishment in maize under low temperature settings.

In order to find out the impact of priming methods on the features of viability of

locally grown maize seeds preserved for five years, an experiment was carried out by Hussein

et al. [61] used seeds that were stored until 2014 after being directly harvested from the farms

of the Babil governorate during the 2009–2010 growing season. Various priming media, such

as 2% and 4% KH2PO4, 0.5% and 1.5% ZnSO4, hydropriming, and untreated seeds as the

control, were applied to the seeds for six hours at 25°C. The results of the seed germination

percentage, germination speed, length ofshoot,length ofroot,seedling length, seedling vigour

index (SVI), and seedling fresh and dry weights showed that the seeds primed with 2%

KH2PO4 and 0.5% ZnSO4 had the greatest values when compared to the control.

The effects of zinc (Zn) combined with boron (B), manganese (Mn) and phosphate

(P) during seed priming were studied by Muhammad et al.[62]. The amount of primed

nutrients in seeds was dramatically boosted by nutritional seed priming. The treatments

included unprimed seeds, hydroprimed seeds, and seeds primed with various solutions: 4 mM

Zn + 2.5 mM Mn (from ZnSO4·H2O and MnSO4), 5 mM boron (from H3BO3), and 0.2 M

phosphorus (from K2HPO4). Compared to the control, maize plants primed with Zn + Mn

showed over 50to 100% increases in growth, respectively, in a nutritional solution (NS)

lacking Zn and Mn. The primed nutrients effectively reached the developing shoots and

maintained Zn and Mn supply for three weeks. In soil culture, while phosphorus (P) and zinc

(Zn) deficiencies impacted plant growth, priming with P and Zn + Mn provided some

benefit.The extremely calcareous soil in particular had a deleterious impact on the transfer of

Zn in seed stores to the shoot tissue. The field experiment showed the potential for the
benefits of nutritional seed priming, as Zn + Mn seed priming boosted grain production by

15%.

11.1.4 Barley

The investigation conducted by Abdulrahmaniet al.[63] sought to determine how

barley seedling vigor was affected by hydropriming, osmopriming (using 2.5 mM CaCl2, 5

mM CaCl2,10% PEG and 20% PEG,), and nutritional priming (using KH2PO4 solutions

containing 10 mM P, 50mM P, and 100mM P and ZnSO4 solutions with 10 mM Zn, 50 mM

Zn, and 100mM Zn). The germination rate, electrical conductivity (EC) of seed leachates,

percentage of viable seeds, seedling dry weight and root and shoot dry weight, were

significantly impacted by seed priming, according to an analysis of variance performed on

laboratory data. Among the different priming methods, nutrient priming in phosphorus (P)

solutions proved to be the most effective.By 25 and 12.5%, respectively, above unprimed

seeds, this priming medium increased root and shoot dry weight. The seeds were treated with

the most effective methods in the lab, including hydropriming, 10% PEG, 5 mM CaCl2, 10

mM Zn, 50 mM P, 100 mM P, 10 mM Zn + 50 mM P, and 10 mM Zn + 100 mM P solutions,

before being sown outside.The mean seedling emergence percentage in the field were

significantly affected by priming treatments (p ≤ 0.05). The greatest seedling emergence %

and rate were attained using priming of 10 mM Zn + 100 mM P and 100 mM P. Therefore,

these methods could be utilized to enhance the establishment of seedlings ofbarley in the

field.

Another study was conducted by Ghassemi-golezaniet al. [64]to assess how seed

priming influenced yield, grain enrichment, and nutrient absorption in barley (var. Abidar)

under dryland conditions. Barley seeds were divided into nine samples. Eight of these

samples were primed with different treatments: water (hydro-priming), 5 mM CaCl2, 10 mM

Zn, 50 mM P, 100 mM P, 10 mM Zn + 50 mM P, and 10 mM Zn + 100 mM P and 10% PEG

solutions, and dried back to their original moisture content.One sub-sample was maintained

as the control (unprimed). Treatments with priming significantly seedling establishment,

increased seedling emergence, grain production, survival inwinter, green ground coverand

rainfall productivity index. The best priming strategies helped barley grains become 45, 21,

40, 36, and 32% more enriched in P, Zn, Fe, Mn, and Cu, respectively. The advantages of

seed priming for barley grain yield and nutrient enrichment were helped to quicker seedling

emergence and establishment, enhanced survival under winter, a greater ground cover, and

more effective use of soil moisture, light and nutrients by the crops grown from the primed

seeds.

11.2 Influence of nutripriming on growth and yield under stress condition

Kshik.et al. [65] looked at the possibility for rice to develop salt tolerance through

seed priming. Aerated solutions of PEG 2%, KNO3 2%, CaCl2 2%, ascorbic acid 100 ppm,

and control (distilled water) were each used to prime two batches of rice seeds with high and

low vigour of the cultivar Sakha 106 variety for 24 hours. Two trials were carried out in a lab

and in pots. The primed seeds were sown in 0 ppm, 3000 ppm, 4500 ppm, 6000 ppm, and

7500 ppm of NaCl. The experiments revealed that priming with 2% KNO3 was the most

effective at enhancing salt tolerance, followed by controls, 2% CaCl2, 100 ppm ascorbic acid,

and 2% PEG. This improvement was attributed to better seed germination, increased seedling

vigour index, faster germination speed, higher germination rate, and improved seedling

emergence.

Higher germination rates (80%) were seen with recently harvested seed. Because,

KNO3 maintained seedling vigour and seed viability better than other treatments and it is

advised that it should be used for priming seed of rice below 3000 ppm. Reduced germination
parameters can be seen as a result of salinity levels rising to 7500 ppm. The results were

found that under salinity stress, all seed quality traits increased when KNO3 or CaCl2 were

treated at a rate of 2%.The findings signify that priming agents and high vigour play a role in

controlling salinity affects in pre-treated seed, and how these agents may be used as potential

growth regulators to enhance the growth of common seedlings under salinity stress.

The purpose of the study conducted by Mirza et al.[66] was to ascertain how seed

priming affected the germination of two different wheat varieties in conditions of high

salinity, high temperature, and drought.He employed halo priming (5mM NaCl, 10mM

NaCl), Osmopriming (5mM KNO3, 10mM KNO3), and hydro priming (distilled water). Here

hydro priming increased the maximum germination index to 70 and 65 percent under heat

stress and drought, respectively. While 5 mM KNO3 priming increased the germination index

to 75 percent under salinity stress. Under salt stress, 5mM KNO3 priming produced the

greatest seedling vigour index, with an increase of 86 percent. In heat and drought stressed

seeds, hydro primed seeds demonstrated the largest percentage increases in germination stress

tolerance index, at 50 and 45 percent. Under salt stress, 5mM KNO3 primed seedlings had a

51 percent higher germination tolerance index. It has been demonstrated that seed priming is

a very beneficial method for boosting resistance to abiotic stress.

Nciizahet al.[67] conducted laboratory and glass house research to determine the

effects of Nutrient seed priming (NSP)content of Zn, B, and Mo and during priming on maize

germination and earlyemergence ofseedling and growth in micronutrient deficient soils.The

laboratory experiment utilized five concentrations (0.01%, 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.5%, and 0% as the

control) and with three priming durations of 24 hours, 12 hours, and 8 hours, while the

experiment in glasshouse excluded the 0.5% concentration and the 8-hour duration. The

duration of seed priming, its concentration levels, and their combinations had significant

impacts (P < 0.05) on germination percentage (GP), germination rate (GR), coefficient of
velocity of germination (CVG), days to germination (DG) and mean germination time

(MGT). Longer durations of priming at lower micronutrient concentrations enhanced these

characteristics.

Similar to this, within glasshouse circumstances, NSP was at lowest dosage but for

the longest period caused seedling emergence to occur up to 50 percent earlier than the

control. When compared to the control, priming with 0.01 percent B decreased the time it

took for seedlings to emerge by 94 percent, increased fresh and dry weight of seedling.

Moreover, the increased fresh and dry seedling weight, along with greater shoot and root

mass compared to the control, may be attributed to earlier seedling emergence. The study

suggests that optimal levels of micronutrient concentrations and suitable priming durations

can enhance germination and seedling growth, ultimately leading to improved yield

parameters.

Youseff et al.[68] studied the effects of priming seeds with several agents (CaCl2,

KCl, and KNO3) on germination and the growth of seedlings in the barley species of

HordeummaritimumandHordeumvulgare(L.Manel), which were exposed to three different

salt concentrations of 0, 100, and 200 mM NaCl.The findings showed that salinity stress

considerably decreased the average daily germination rate, ultimate germination rate,

seedling length, and dry weight in unprimed conditions. Different priming strategies

increased seedling growth rate and markedly improved critical nutrient concentrations and

germination parameters.Seed priming helps to reduce sodium ion accumulation and alleviate

oxidative stress in seeds caused by salt exposure.

12. CONCLUSION

Nutrient-primed seeds serve as a conduit for delivering specific amounts of fertilizer,

which supports improved seedling growth. Nutri-priming boosts the nutrient content within
seeds, reduces the average time required for germination, and enhances both the percentage

and rate of germination. Additionally, it mitigates the negative effects of sodium chloride-

induced stress by increasing antioxidant enzyme activity. This method is especially beneficial

for enhancing crop establishment in challenging agroclimatic conditions such as rainfed, dry

farming and dryland farming. It also contributes to increased yield, better stress tolerance,

disease resistance, weed competitiveness, and water use efficiency.

Nutripriming has gained recognition as a promising strategy for enhancing crop

performance due to its precise application of small amounts of nutrients and efficient

absorption.However, a significant drawback of this approach is that the best treatment varies

depending on the priming and drying concentrations and times. The best method for each

case must thus be determined after several attempts. However, seed priming with

micronutrients is a safe, environmentally beneficial, economically viable, and long-term

solution for farmers and the environment.Therefore, it can be concluded that one useful

strategy for advancing sustainable agriculture is seed priming.

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