Nano-enabled seed nano-priming and nano-encapsulation strategies for enhancing crop performance under abiotic stress

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Abiotic stressors and the natural shortage of traditional agrochemicals are increasingly hazardous to global food security, necessitating innovative solutions. This review examines the rapidly evolving role of nanotechnology particularly seed nano-priming and nano-encapsulation as promising strategies to enhance crop resilience and promote sustainable agriculture. The challenge of abiotic stressors and decreasing effectiveness of traditional agrochemicals pose a threat to worldwide food security, and they demand creative solutions. The current review shows the emerging importance of nanotechnology, namely seed nano-priming and nano-encapsulation in enhancing crop resilience and sustainability. Nano-priming the seeds by using metal and metal-oxide nanoparticles (TiO2, CeO2, ZnO), halloysite nanotubes, and chitosan-based systems in the process of seed imbibition triggers stress-response genes, up-regulates antioxidant enzymes, and increases nutrient mobilization. These mechanisms enhance salinity and drought tolerance of germination, seedling vigor, biomass and yield in cereals and vegetables. Nano-encapsulation, which is obtained by top-down and bottom-up methods, allows the release of nutrients, growth regulators and biopesticides in a controlled and responsive manner to stimuli reducing leaching, environmental pollution, and frequency of application. Green-synthesized nanoparticles and bio-degradable carriers are other supporting factors that make eco-friendly pest management with minimal effects on non-target organisms. The initial costs are more expensive, but economic studies suggest positive returns in the long term. Synthesis reproducibility, long-term nanoparticle behavior in soil, harmonization of regulations and scalable production are some of the remaining challenges. These nano-enabled approaches are in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 2, 3, 12, and 13) and provide a way to an agricultural system that is climate-smart. Graphical abstract

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