PHYSIOLOGICAL ENHANCEMENT IN CROP PERFORMANCE DUE TO SEED PRIMING

Seed priming is the process of controlled hydration and re-drying of seeds before sowing whichtriggers a suite of pre-germinative physiological processes that consistently improve germinationspeed, uniformity, seedling vigour, and crop performance. By initiating repair pathways, activatingmetabolism, improving antioxidant capacity and modulating hormone and osmotic statuses,priming prepares seeds to face suboptimal field conditions and abiotic stresses. This articlesynthesizes the principal physiological mechanisms behind priming and links them to measurableimprovements in crop establishment, stress tolerance and yield, drawing on contemporary reviewsand empirical studies. Practical implications and limitations for agronomy are discussed.