Journal of Natural Science Research and Review (JNSRR) · Research article · Open access

Nanomaterial-Assisted Seed Priming for Salinity and Drought Tolerance: Mechanisms, Risks, and Pathways to Field Adoption

Funchious Paul Mensah, Ampah-Korsah Jessica, Brobbey Hannah Appiah, Adjetey Ronald Sowah, Akomanyi Bismark Nyarkoh, Bediako Linda, Bamfo Betina Savannah, Emmanuel Kofi Gomado

19 January 2026 · Vol. 2, Issue 1, pp. 15-47

DOI: 10.65150/EP-jnsrr/V2E1/2026-02

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Abstract

Seed germination and early seedling establishment are critical determinants of crop yield stability under salinity and drought stress conditions. Nanomaterial-assisted seed priming (nano-priming) has emerged as a promising approach to enhance stress tolerance by leveraging the unique physicochemical properties of nanoscale materials. This review synthesizes evidence from 2014–2025 on the application of diverse nanomaterials including metal oxides (ZnO, TiO₂, CeO₂, CuO), selenium nanoparticles, nano-silica, chitosan nanoparticles, carbon-based nanomaterials, and composite systems—for seed priming under abiotic stress. We examine reported agronomic outcomes, mechanistic insights involving reactive oxygen species (ROS) signaling, antioxidant enzyme induction, hormone modulation, and ion homeostasis, alongside dose-response relationships. Comparative studies demonstrate that nanoparticulate forms exhibit different toxicity profiles than bulk or ionic forms (Du et al., 2019; García-Gómez et al., 2018). Phytotoxicity assessments reveal material- and crop-specific thresholds, with CuO and ZnO inducing phytotoxicity through metal speciation changes in wheat (Dimkpa et al., 2012). Genotoxicity concerns exist at high concentrations (Panda et al., 2011). and toxicity thresholds. Critical knowledge gaps are identified in standardized characterization protocols, environmental fate assessment, long-term ecological impacts, and socioeconomic feasibility. While laboratory and controlled studies consistently demonstrate germination enhancement and stress mitigation at optimal doses, field-scale validation, regulatory frameworks, and comprehensive risk assessments remain underdeveloped. This review provides concrete recommendations for methodological standardization, multi-site field trials, fate-tracking studies, and stakeholder engagement to facilitate safe and effective translation of nano-priming technologies from laboratory to agricultural practice.

Keywords: Seed priming, nanomaterials, nanoparticles, abiotic stress, nanotoxicity, metal oxide nanoparticles

Funchious Paul Mensah, Ampah-Korsah Jessica, Brobbey Hannah Appiah, Adjetey Ronald Sowah, Akomanyi Bismark Nyarkoh, Bediako Linda, Bamfo Betina Savannah, & Emmanuel Kofi Gomado (2026). Nanomaterial-Assisted Seed Priming for Salinity and Drought Tolerance: Mechanisms, Risks, and Pathways to Field Adoption. Journal of Natural Science Research and Review, 2(1), 15-47. https://doi.org/10.65150/EP-jnsrr/V2E1/2026-02

@article{Funchious2026,
  title   = {Nanomaterial-Assisted Seed Priming for Salinity and Drought Tolerance: Mechanisms, Risks, and Pathways to Field Adoption},
  author  = {Funchious Paul Mensah and Ampah-Korsah Jessica and Brobbey Hannah Appiah and Adjetey Ronald Sowah and Akomanyi Bismark Nyarkoh and Bediako Linda and Bamfo Betina Savannah and Emmanuel Kofi Gomado},
  journal = {Journal of Natural Science Research and Review},
  year    = {2026},
  volume  = {2},
  number  = {1},
  pages   = {15-47},
  doi     = {10.65150/EP-jnsrr/V2E1/2026-02},
  url     = {https://doi.org/10.65150/EP-jnsrr/V2E1/2026-02}
}

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