Editorial Book

Book Title: Crop Stress Physiology (Volume 1)

PAID ACCESS | Published on : 03-Jan-2024 | Pages: 1-13 |

Nano-Elicited Eustress and Stress Memory- Priming Vegetable Seeds for Drought and Salinity Resilience

• Anbu Sezhian Ambethgar
• Department of Horticulture, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Thiruvarur, Tamil Nadu, India


• Divyabharathi M C
• Department of Horticulture, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Thiruvarur, Tamil Nadu, India


• Archana Devi E
• Department of Horticulture, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Thiruvarur, Tamil Nadu, India


• Arumuka Pravin Ivadurai
• Department of Horticulture, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Thiruvarur, Tamil Nadu, India


• Ramesh Kumar Alagarsamy
• Department of Horticulture, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Thiruvarur, Tamil Nadu, India


• Kathiresan Shanmugam
• Department of Horticulture, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Thiruvarur, Tamil Nadu, India


• Srivignesh Sundaresan
• Department of Horticulture, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Thiruvarur, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

Drought and salinity are major abiotic stresses that undermine the productivity of vegetable crops through the disruption of cellular homeostasis, photosynthesis and the induction of oxidative stress. Nanopriming of seeds has proven to be an effective, eco-friendly approach in improving stress tolerance by activating nano-elicited eustress and stress memory. This chapter reviews the latest research on nanopriming, focusing on its potential in regulating reactive oxygen species pathways, stress-related transcription factors and antioxidant responses. These biochemical and molecular changes facilitate osmotic regulation, membrane stability, and enhanced photosynthetic capacity under stress. The chapter also discusses the multiple impacts of engineered nanomaterials, such as zinc oxide, silicon dioxide, selenium nanoparticles, and multi-nutrient formulations, on seed germination, seedling establishment and plant growth. Particular attention is given to epigenetic reprogramming and transgenerational immune priming, which confer stress tolerance to subsequent generations. Comparative studies suggest a more pronounced effect in C3 plants, with recent reports on vegetable crops showing enhanced growth, biochemical attributes and yield under stress. However, field-scale testing, nanoparticle formulation, and environmental impact related questions need to be addressed. Overcoming these challenges will be crucial for the successful transition from lab to field. In conclusion, seed nanopriming is a next-generation, climate-smart strategy to improve vegetable resilience and sustainable production under future stress.

Keywords

Seed nanopriming, Nano-elicited eustress, Stress memory, Drought and salinity tolerance, Vegetable crops

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