Seed nanopriming: How do nanomaterials improve seed tolerance to salinity and drought?

Salt and drought stress are major environmental issues world-widely. These stresses can result in failures of seed germination, limiting agricultural production. New approaches are needed to increase crop production, ensuring food safety, quality, and agriculture sustainability. Nanopriming (priming seeds with nanomaterials) is an emerging seed technology improving crop production under the drastic climate change associated with stress factors. The present review not only provided an overview of nanopriming achieved salt and drought tolerance but also tried to discuss the behind mechanisms. We argued that the physico-chemical properties of the nanomaterials are key factors affecting their negative or positive effects on seed germination in terms of seed nanopriming. Furthermore, we highlighted the possible critical role of seed coat anatomy in effective nanopriming, in terms of saving costs and reducing biosafety issues. This review aims to help researchers to better understand and follow this fast-developing, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly research area.