Highlight Induced Transcriptional Priming against a Subsequent Drought Stress in Arabidopsis thaliana

Nanoparticle-mediated defense priming: A review of strategies for enhancing plant resilience against biotic and abiotic stresses

Nanotechnology has emerged as a promising field with the potential to revolutionize agriculture, particularly in enhancing plant defense mechanisms. Nanoparticles (NPs) are instrumental in plant defense priming, where plants are pre-exposed to controlled levels of stress to heighten their alertness and responsiveness to subsequent stressors. This process improves overall plant performance by enabling quicker and more effective responses to secondary stimuli. This review explores the application of NPs as priming agents, utilizing their unique physicochemical properties to bolster plants' innate defense mechanisms. It discusses key findings in NP-based plant defense priming, including various NP types such as metallic, metal oxide, and carbon-based NPs. The review also investigates the intricate mechanisms by which NPs interact with plants, including uptake, translocation, and their effects on plant physiology, morphology, and molecular processes. Additionally, the review examines how NPs can enhance plant responses to a range of stressors, from pathogen attacks and herbivore infestations to environmental stresses. It also discusses NPs' ability to improve plants' tolerance to abiotic stresses like drought, salinity, and heavy metals. Safety and regulatory aspects of NP use in agriculture are thoroughly addressed, emphasizing responsible and ethical deployment for environmental and human health safety. By harnessing the potential of NPs, this approach shows promise in reducing crop losses, increasing yields, and enhancing global food security while minimizing the environmental impact of traditional agricultural practices. The review concludes by emphasizing the importance of ongoing research to optimize NP formulations, dosages, and delivery methods for practical application in diverse agricultural settings.

Next generation chemical priming: with a little help from our nanocarrier friends

Plants are exposed to multiple threats linked to climate change which can cause critical yield losses. Therefore, designing novel crop management tools is crucial. Chemical priming has recently emerged as an effective technology for improving tolerance to stress factors. Several compounds such as phytohormones, reactive species, and synthetic chimeras have been identified as promising priming agents. Following remarkable developments in nanotechnology, several unique nanocarriers (NCs) have been engineered that can act as smart delivery systems. These provide an eco-friendly, next-generation method for chemical priming, leading to increased efficiency and reduced overall chemical usage. We review novel engineered NCs (NENCs) as vehicles for chemical agents in advanced priming strategies, and address challenges and opportunities to be met towards achieving sustainable agriculture.