Electropriming-mediated modulation of seed germination: Effects on morphology, water uptake, and oxidative status

Electropriming, the exposure of seeds to direct current electric fields (DCEF) prior to germination, is emerging as a sustainable physical priming strategy to enhance seed vigor and crop performance. In this study, we demonstrated that electropriming markedly accelerated tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) seed germination and induced early physiological adjustments. Treated seeds germinated faster, absorbed water more efficiently, and showed distinct morphological changes compared with non-primed controls. Electropriming also modulated membrane integrity, as evidenced by increased electrolyte leakage, and influenced redox metabolism, indicated by enhanced production of reactive species and activation of antioxidant enzymes. Together, these responses suggest that direct-current electropriming promotes a controlled oxidative burst that primes seeds for faster and more robust germination. Our findings highlight electropriming as a promising chemical-free approach to improve seed vigor, offering new opportunities for sustainable agriculture.