Advanced breakthroughs in nanoparticle-facilitated seed germination: Augmenting plant development and sustainability Monisha S.1, Shanmugam V.2, Kanchana M.1, Senthilkumar P.3, Selvakesavan R.K.4,* 1Department of Botany, PSGR Krishnammal College for Women, Coimbatore - 641 004, Tamil Nadu, India 2Department of Biotechnology, Nehru Arts and Science College, Coimbatore - 641 105, Tamil Nadu, India 3School of Biotechnology, Dr. G R Damodaran College of Science, Coimbatore - 641 014, Tamil Nadu, India 4Department of Biotechnology, PSGR Krishnammal College for Women, Coimbatore - 641 004, Tamil Nadu, India *Corresponding author Email : kesavanrks@psgrkcw.ac.in
Online Published on 18 June, 2024. Abstract Nanoparticle-assisted seed germination has emerged as a cutting-edge innovation in modern agriculture, holding the promise to revolutionize plant growth and sustainability. The use of nanoparticles in seed priming techniques has garnered attention due to their ability to positively impact germination rates and early growth. Different types of nanoparticles, including metallic, metal oxide and carbon-based nanoparticles, have demonstrated varying degrees of effectiveness in enhancing seed priming outcomes. Furthermore, the interaction between nanoparticles and seeds extends to the realm of abiotic stress tolerance. Nanoparticles have shown the potential to bolster seed germination and growth under adverse conditions, such as drought, salinity and temperature extremes. This opens avenues for sustainable crop production in challenging environments. Moreover, the influence of nanoparticles on seed-associated microbiota and rhizosphere communities adds another layer of complexity to their role in enhancing plant growth. Harnessing the synergistic effects of nanoparticles and beneficial microorganisms could lead to more resilient and productive agroecosystems. As technology continues to advance, the integration of nanoparticle-assisted seed germination into broader sustainable agricultural practices holds promise for addressing food security and environmental sustainability in an increasingly resource-constrained world. Thus, the present review provided an overview of recent advances in the field, which focussed on the potential of nanoparticles for the enhancement seed germination processes, improvement of early plant growth, and contribution to environmental and agricultural sustainability. Top Keywords Nanomaterials, Plant growth, Abiotic stress, Seed priming, Seed dormancy, Sustainable agriculture. Top |