Radiation hormesis and reactive oxygen species-mediated stress priming in plants

Radiation hormesis refers to the beneficial biological effects of low-dose ionizing radiation (LDIR) that do not conform to linear-no-threshold or threshold models. Ionizing radiation has been extensively used in the bioindustry for mutation induction, food sterilization, and structural modification of natural compounds. Despite its industrial potential, the application of LDIR-induced hormetic effects remains limited owing to insufficient scientific evidence, reproducibility concerns, and policy considerations related to radiation safety management. This review examines representative cases of LDIR-induced hormetic effects in plants, along with key factors and mechanisms, to explore their industrial applicability. The hormetic effects of LDIR were demonstrated in terms of yield, fitness, and versatility. Since radiation hormesis is determined by the interplay among key factors including radiation, organisms, and the environment, their significance and contributions are highlighted. Moreover, reactive oxygen species-mediated stress priming and memory facilitated by chromatin dynamics and epigenetic regulation have been proposed as key mechanisms of radiation hormesis. Finally, the potential applications of LDIR-induced and ROS-mediated stress priming in the bioindustry are discussed.