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Seed priming: The concept matters

delete2026-01-01
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PRE
AI
E
Elisa Monteze Bicalho *
A
Ana Maria Oliveira Ferreira
DOI:10.1079/ejhs.2026.0002delete
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Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
Seed pre-treatments encompass a range of long-established techniques that continue to yield significant benefits in agriculture. These methods, collectively known as seed enhancement treatments (SET), comprise various strategies aimed at improving seed performance and seedling establishment in the field. The application of SET represents a growing market, characterized by the continual development of specialized products. Among the most prevalent SETs are seed embedding, pelleting, conditioning and priming. However, the terminology within this field is often applied inconsistently, with distinct concepts sometimes being used interchangeably. A prevalent inaccuracy in the literature is the conflation of the terms 'priming' and 'conditioning'. This review aims to clarify the precise definitions of seed priming in relation to other imbibition-related techniques. We focus specifically on the concept, physiological effects and agronomic consequences of seed priming, while also addressing the concerns associated with misapplying this term to techniques that do not follow its specific protocols. Consequently, using an accurate and standardized concept of priming is essential to prevent misunderstanding and ensure clarity within the scientific literature.
Keywords:
seed enhanced treatments
pre-sowing techniques
seed memory
imbibition
seed drying
orthodox seeds

Journal

E
European Journal of Horticultural Science
IF:
0.6
Papers:
10
Citations:
0

Organization

U
universidade federal de vicosa
Scholars:
8.9K
Papers: 5.3K
Citations: 5
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