Ultrasound Seed Priming: Biophysical Mechanisms And Molecular Pathways For Enhancing Abiotic Stress Tolerance In Crops

Abstract

Seed priming is a pre-sowing technique that involves controlled hydration of seeds to initiate metabolic processes for germination without radicle protrusion, followed by drying to the original moisture content. This method enhances speed of germination, uniformity, vigor, and tolerance to abiotic and biotic stresses, ultimately improving crop establishment and yield. Ultrasound seed treatment has emerged as a sustainable, chemical-free priming method designed to enhance seed vigor, increase germination rates, and improve resilience to abiotic stresses. This review classifies the types of ultrasound as low-frequency cavitation for modifying seed coats and facilitating better water uptake, high-frequency sonication for stimulating metabolic activities while explaining mechanisms such as acoustic streaming that loosens cell walls, regulation of reactive oxygen species that boost antioxidant defenses, and epigenetic changes that improve stress resistance. These methods consistently enhance germination consistency, expedite seedling emergence, and elevate overall crop performance under adverse conditions, as demonstrated by biophysical seed treatment. Upcoming possibilities integrate ultrasound technology with Artificial Intelligence for forecasting ideal parameters through machine learning using initial data, and the Internet of things for automated, instantaneous distribution in precision agriculture systems, facilitating scalable seed improvement in response to climate fluctuations.