Enhancing Germination and Growth in Fruit Crops: A Comprehensive Review of Pre-Sowing Treatments

Abstract— Pre-sowing treatments are pivotal interventions in optimizing nursery practices for fruit crop production, addressing the demand for increased planting material, especially grafts. This review paper comprehensively analyzes the efficacy and mechanisms of pre-sowing treatments, encompassing hormonal priming, osmopriming, and halo-priming techniques. Molecular and physiological mechanisms underlying seed germination and seedling growth are elucidated, emphasizing their influence on gene expression patterns, hormonal signaling pathways, and physiological processes within seeds. Interactions with plant hormone signaling pathways, particularly the modulation of gibberellin (GA) and abscisic acid (ABA) levels, are explored in detail, highlighting their role in regulating seed dormancy and germination. Moreover, the review discusses the impact of pre-sowing treatments on gene expression related to germination and growth, shedding light on the molecular basis of their effects. Challenges in fruit crop production, such as the need for accelerated seed germination and seedling growth, are addressed, with pre-sowing treatments identified as key solutions. The paper concludes by outlining future prospects and emphasizing the indispensable role of pre-sowing treatments in modern fruit crop production systems. In summary, this review provides a comprehensive understanding of pre-sowing treatments, their mechanisms of action, and their implications for nursery management and sustainable fruit crop production.