Biopriming using microbial consortia and biostimulants as a technique to increase seed quality of Solanum melongena L. by modifications in morphological and metabolic constituents

Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) is a widely cultivated vegetable in tropical and subtropical regions. High-quality seeds are crucial for successful crop production, necessitating rapid and uniform field emergence. In the new wave of the Green Revolution, organic wastes were replaced by agrochemicals. This study was conducted from January to March 2024 to standardize biopriming techniques for brinjal using various organic inputs and microbial cultures to improve seed quality. Brinjal seeds cv. PLR 2 were treated with organic inputs (Panchagavya, Egg fermented extract, Fish fermented extract and effective microorganism solution) and liquid microbial cultures (Azospirillum and Pink Pigmented Facultative Methylotroph). The bioprimed seeds were assessed for their physiological attributes and anatomical and biochemical changes. Compared with the control, biopriming with 2% Fish fermented extract significantly improved the germination rate (19.4%), germination energy (40.9%), root length (44.4%), shoot length (24.4%) and seedling vigour index (68.1%). This increase was attributed to the nutritional and bioactive compounds in the fish by-products, which promoted root development and nutrient absorption. The biochemical parameters revealed increased ?-amylase activity, protein, and amino acid content in the bioprimed seeds. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis revealed beneficial root volatile compounds in the roots of treated seeds. An evaluation of the plant growth-promoting activities of the biopriming agents revealed the superiority of fish-fermented extract over other bioagents. Therefore, this method promotes sustainable agriculture and improved crop productivity, providing a scientific basis for biopriming as a viable alternative to conventional seed treatments.