Nano-priming can significantly enhance seed physiology for mitigating abiotic stress by improving germination, seedling vigor, and stress tolerance through mechanisms such as increased water uptake, antioxidant activity, and nutrient bioavailability. However, its effects are typically temporary and most beneficial during early growth stages. In contrast, genetic modification provides long-term and heritable stress resistance by introducing specific genes for drought, salinity, or temperature tolerance, ensuring sustained crop performance. While nano-priming is a rapid, cost-effective, and eco-friendly alternative without regulatory constraints, genetic modification offers targeted and multi-stress resilience. Integrating both approaches could maximize stress adaptation in crops.
Fath Alah Elwahab You are absolutely correct. With the rapid advancement of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and the recurring waves of public skepticism surrounding genetic modification, the question arises: where should the ethical boundaries be drawn? Additionally, how can we ensure the long-term safety of the modified seeds? While I strongly support genetic modification for its potential benefits, there remains a critical concern—who can guarantee that these advancements will not lead to unforeseen environmental or health issues in the future? The Green Revolution, despite its initial success, ultimately contributed to several ecological challenges, including soil degradation and loss of biodiversity. Could GMOs follow a similar path, becoming a ticking time bomb with unintended consequences?
Indeed, both approaches have their rightful place in modern agriculture. Whilst nano-priming is gaining popularity as a less controversial alternative, GMOs continue to face ongoing societal debate regarding safety and ethical aspects. This is particularly evidenced by the more stringent regulatory measures concerning GMOs within Europe. Furthermore, the possibilities of utilising nano-primed seeds in combination with other treatments are increasingly emerging. Do you think that combining seed-priming with other treatments is appropriate?
Bozena Sera Combining different treatments can be a viable approach, as effective agricultural practices should be tailored to specific environmental conditions and case-specific needs. However, any proposed intervention must be practical and easily implementable by farmers, as overly complex scientific methods are often rejected, limiting their real-world applicability and impact.
Nano-priming can be combined with biological treatments (PGPR, mycorrhizae, biostimulants), chemical treatments (PGRs like GA3, salicylic acid, osmoprotectants, chelated micronutrients), physical treatments (magnetopriming, hydropriming), and stress management strategies (jasmonic acid, brassinosteroids, Si and Se nanoparticles). These combinations enhance germination, stress tolerance, and yield potential.@Bozena Sera
Dear @Fath Allah Elwahab, thank you for sharing your experience. I see more potential in the combinations of treatments than in a single seed nano-priming. BS
Nano-priming offers a rapid, low-cost way to enhance early-stage stress tolerance and can be widely applied without regulatory barriers, making it ideal for immediate field use, especially in resource-limited areas. Genetic modification, while more powerful for long-term stress resistance, is more complex and better suited for strategic crop improvement programs. Ideally, both can be complementary—nano-priming for quick stress mitigation and GM for durable genetic resilience.
- Badges
- Science topic
- Similar topics
- Computer Science
- Research Topics