Emerging progress in investigating the impact of green-synthesized nanoparticles on seed germination

Nanopriming is a crucial advancement in boosting seed germination, growth, and stress tolerance under abiotic stress conditions such as salinity, drought, and extreme temperatures. This technique employs nanoparticles (NPs) to trigger specific metabolic processes that enhance germination and overall plant vigour while strengthening plant defenses against environmental challenges. Research indicates that NPs, including multi-walled carbon nanotubes and metal-based NPs, significantly influence plant physiological responses. This enhancement in plant resilience is achieved through activating antioxidant defenses and reducing reactive oxygen species. Moreover, nanopriming promotes uniform seed germination, boosts plant growth, and improves tolerance to abiotic stresses by stimulating secondary metabolite production and enhancing water uptake. This is accomplished by upregulating genes related to water transport proteins like aquaporins and stress-responsive pathways, which improve water dynamics and metabolic activities critical for early plant development. Recent transcriptomic studies have confirmed that nanoprimed seeds show increased gene expression linked to stress management and growth regulation. This review explores the effects of nanopriming on seed germination, plant growth, and how it modifies molecular mechanisms to mitigate abiotic stresses, while emphasizing the potential of integrating green synthesis for NP production. Such integration aligns with sustainable agricultural practices, minimizing environmental impact and enhancing crop yields under stressful conditions. Future research aims to refine NP formulations for greater efficacy and safety, incorporating advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence to further optimize nanopriming for agricultural applications.