International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development

author(s)
Kenny Zohmingliana, K. Lalmalsawmi, Dr. T. Vanlalngurzauva

abstract
Plants, as sessile organisms, are continuously confronted with a plethora of environmental stresses, including drought, salinity, extreme temperatures, and heavy metal toxicity, which collectively impede their growth, development, and overall productivity. To mitigate the detrimental effects of these abiotic stresses, plants have evolved intricate defense mechanisms, involving a complex interplay of physiological, biochemical, and molecular responses. Chemical priming, an innovative and cost-effective strategy, has emerged as a promising approach to fortify plants against abiotic stress by pre-exposing them to specific chemical compounds, thereby potentiating their defense responses and enhancing their tolerance to subsequent stress encounter. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the role of chemical priming in plant abiotic stress management, elucidating the underlying mechanisms, exploring the diverse range of priming agents, and highlighting the potential applications of this technology in sustainable agriculture. Plants, being immobile organisms, are inevitably exposed to a multitude of environmental constraints that can significantly compromise their survival and productivity. These abiotic stresses, encompassing drought, salinity, heat, cold, and heavy metal toxicity, pose a major threat to global food security. To combat these adverse conditions, plants have developed sophisticated defense mechanisms that involve a complex network of physiological, biochemical, and molecular processes. Seed priming, which involves carefully hydrating seeds to initiate pre-germinative metabolic processes before re-drying, is a simple and effective method that can improve seedling establishment, yields, and stress tolerance in a variety of crops. Priming allows plants to activate their metabolism and repair any damage before the root emerges, leading to faster and more uniform germination and improved plant resistance. Plants exhibit morphological, physiological, and biochemical responses to environmental stresses, and understanding these responses is crucial for effective management.