Nanotechnology applications in seed germination: Evolutionary and systematic perspectives

Agriculture faces challenges from limited arable land, climate change and population growth, threatening food security and requiring advanced solutions. Nanotechnology, including quantum dots and metal oxide nanoparticles, has shown promise in enhancing seed germination, seedling vigor and crop productivity by modulating key physiological and biochemical processes, thus supporting sustainable food production under these constraints. The integration of nanotechnology into agriculture holds significant promise for enhancing seed germination, crop yield and sustainable food production. Amid challenges such as shrinking arable land, climate variability and growing population demands, nanomaterials-particularly quantum dots (QDs) and metal oxide nanoparticles-have emerged as potent agents in improving seed physiological and biochemical traits. This review comprehensively examines the influence of various nanoparticles (e.g. CuO, Fe₂O₃, TiO₂, nanosilica and CNTs) on germination parameters across diverse plant species, highlighting their potential to penetrate seed coats, enhance water and nutrient uptake and activate key enzymes such as catalase, amylase and dehydrogenase. Additionally, we address the dual role of QDs in promoting early growth stages while acknowledging possible phytotoxic effects at higher concentrations. The review further examines antioxidant responses and the regulation of secondary metabolites in plants and it also assesses the biosafety of nanomaterials using model soil organisms such as earthworms. The review also explores antioxidant and secondary metabolite responses and evaluates biosafety using model soil organisms like earthworms. Overall, the study underscores the need for plant systematics-informed research on nanoparticle- plant interactions to optimize their safe and targeted application in seed technology and sustainable agriculture.