Crop improvement: a seed priming approach

Abstract

Seed priming is used to achieve different objectives of crop production. These include better germination, improved growth and yield as well as better tolerance to different environmental stresses. Some of the methods employed work for some crops while they are detrimental to others. The present work x-rayed different aspects of priming technology starting from its types and ends with its direct and indirect effects. It started with explanation of different types of priming media: hydro-priming, osmo-priming, hormonal and chemical priming. It then examined optimum priming concentration and duration. It also looked into how seed priming improves yield and yield quality of different crops. It further examined how seed priming aids direct seeding, confers tolerance against drought, salinity and low temperature stresses in plants. In addition, it discussed how thermo-inhibition and oxidative stress are alleviated with seed priming. In the same vein, It explained some of the mechanisms of priming operation and answered the question on whether seed priming is a source of stress to seeds or not. Moreover, it justifiably elucidated biochemical and enzymatic changes, pattern of genetic expression, and proteomics of primed seeds and their resulting plants. Finally, it answered the question on whether seed priming has direct or indirect effects on plants. The information contained in this paper will aid understanding of seed priming technology and make transition from its theoretical knowledge to practical use an easy task. Key-words: Seed Priming, Crop Improvement, Environmental Stresses, Oxidative Stress, Yield Improvement