Deciphering the impact of zinc oxide nanopriming on growth and biochemical attributes of <i>Z. mays</i> under salinity stress

The agricultural system is facing significant abiotic challenges, particularly salinity stress, which leads to reduced germination, poor seedling vigor, lower crop quality, and yield. The study aims to overcome the problem by employing green synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using <i>Eucalyptus globulus</i> leaf extract. Nanoparticles were characterized using zeta sizer analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and. The green synthesized ZnO NPs were used to explore the impact of ZnO NPs as a seed priming agent at concentrations of 20, 40, and 60 ppm on the morphological, physio-biochemical, antioxidant enzyme activities, nanoparticle internalization and seed quality parameters of <i>Zea mays</i> under different salinity stress levels (0, 50, and 100 mM NaCl). The results indicate that the seed quality, morphological, physiological, biochemical and antioxidant enzyme parameters were improved in seeds primed with ZnO NP as compared to the control. Nanopriming with ZnO offers an innovative, easy way to boost salinity-stress germination and growth.