PubMed · 2026-03-27
Scientists are developing advanced seed treatments that help crops survive extreme weather caused by climate change. The most promising approach uses nanoparticles — including biodegradable, non-toxic carriers — to deliver beneficial compounds to seeds before planting, boosting their ability to withstand heat, drought, and floods.
Four main seed priming techniques are reviewed — hydropriming (water), osmopriming (salt/sugar solutions), biopriming (microbes), and nanopriming (nanoparticles) — with nanopriming identified as the most promising emerging approach.
Nanopriming can deliver a broad range of beneficial compounds (hormones, amino acids, nutrients, essential oils) via biodegradable, biocompatible, and non-toxic smart nanocarrier systems with controlled slow-release properties.
Priming-induced resilience operates across physiological, biochemical, and molecular levels, suggesting the benefits are systemic and durable rather than superficial responses to stress.