Seed Priming: Mechanisms, Methods, and Applications for Enhancing Crop Resilience in Fragile Ecosystems

Abstract— Seed priming is a pre-sowing technique involving controlled hydration and dehydration to activate pre-germinative metabolism without radicle emergence. This review synthesizes the principles, methods, and multifaceted benefits of seed priming as a pivotal strategy for enhancing crop establishment and stress resilience. Priming improves germination uniformity, vigour, and yield across major cereals, pulses, and oilseeds by triggering complex physiological, biochemical, and molecular responses, including antioxidant system activation, DNA repair, and stress-responsive gene expression. Conventional methods such as hydropriming, osmo-priming, and biopriming, alongside advanced techniques like nano-priming and physical priming, are detailed. The paper highlights crop-specific applications, underscores the technology's role in mitigating abiotic stresses in fragile ecosystems, and discusses its limitations and future challenges. As a cost-effective and accessible intervention, seed priming is a vital tool for sustainable agricultural intensification and climate adaptation.