Seed Priming Research Articles

Seed Priming with Dynamically Transformed Selenium Nanoparticles to Enhance Salt Tolerance in Rice.

Seed priming with nanomaterials is an emerging approach for improving plant stress tolerance. Here, we demonstrated a mechanism for enhancing salt tolerance in rice under salt stress via priming with nonstimulatory nanoparticles such as selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs), distinct from stimulatory nanomaterials. Due to the dynamic transformation ability of SeNPs, SeNP priming could enhance rice salt tolerance by mediating the glutathione cycle to eliminate excess reactive oxygen species (ROS). During priming, SeNPs penetrated rice seeds and transitioned into a soluble form (99.9%) within the embryo endosperm. Subsequently, the soluble selenium (Se) was transported to rice roots and metabolized into various Se-related derivatives, including selenomethionine (SeMet), Na2SeO3 (Se IV), selenocysteine (SeCys2), and methylselenocysteine (MeSeCys). These derivatives significantly enhanced the root activities of key enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), glutathione reductase (GR), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) by 24.97%, 47.98%, 16.23%, 16.81%, and 14.82%, respectively, thus reinforcing the glutathione cycle and ROS scavenging pathways. Moreover, these alterations induced transcriptional changes in rice seedlings, with genes involved in signal transduction, transcription factors (TFs), ROS scavenging, and protein folding being upregulated, activating signal perception and self-repair mechanisms. These findings offer valuable insights for the agricultural application of nanomaterials.

Unveiling the potential of silicic and humic acid priming in alleviating salinity stress on lentil (Lens culinaris) seed germination in a hydroponic system

Seed priming enhances seed quality, and is crucial for plant development under stresses like salinity, heat, and drought. This study examines silicic and humic acid (HA+SA) treatment on lentil seeds under salinity stress, focusing on susceptible (PSL-9, PDL-1) and tolerant (IPL-316) varieties. Priming agents included silicic acid (3mM, 18 hours), humic acid (600 ppm, 18 hours), and their combination (100 ppm+1mM HA + SA, 16 hours). Seedling survival under salinity stress (100, 120, 140 mM) was evaluated under hydroponics conditions. Salinity stress significantly reduced seed quality and physiobiochemical parameters in unprimed control seeds, especially in PDL-1 and PSL-9, compared to IPL-316. Higher seedling percentage and growth were noted in IPL-316 seeds primed with HA + SA under salinity stress. This improvement is due to better photoactivation of PS-I and PS-II, ROS activity, and antioxidant availability, enhancing seedling growth under salinity. The study highlights the importance of SA and HA priming agents in promoting seedling growth under salinity stress.

Effects of priming duration and rhizosphere bacteria metabolite concentration on the germinability of cowpea, soybean, sesame, and okra seeds

Seed priming enhances germination and growth, which are important determinants of crop yield. This study was carried out to assess the effect of priming duration and metabolite concentration on the priming of five (5) crops using the metabolites of five (5) bacterial isolates. The crop seeds were treated in the cold-extracted metabolites of the five isolates at five (5) different priming durations (1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 h) and then in five metabolite concentrations (200, 400, 600, 800, and 1000 mg/L) of the five extracted metabolites at the optimal priming duration determined in the first experiment. Characterization of the cold-extracted metabolites was also carried out using gas-chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Results revealed that priming cowpea and soybean seeds for longer durations (< 3 h) could hinder their growth and development. Lower concentrations were observed to be optimal for cowpea and soybean, but for sesame and okra, there was no detectable pattern with metabolite concentration. The GC-MS revealed the presence of some molecules (e.g. hexadecanoic acid) that have shown plant growth promotion potential in other studies. This study showed that seeds with large endosperms, such as those of cowpea and soybean, are more prone to the harmful effects of treatment for longer durations. Further experiments should be undertaken to isolate and purify the bioactive moieties for further studies and application.

Impact of seed priming on the germination and initial seedling growth of two maize hybrids under alkaline stress

Maize (Zea mays L.) is a vital crop, but its productivity is hindered by soil alkalinity, characterised by high pH levels that reduce nutrient availability. This study explores the potential of calcium carbonate seed priming to enhance the germination and early growth of two maize hybrids, CO-6 and VGI (H) M-2, under alkaline conditions. The experiment involved priming seeds with a calcium carbonate solution and testing them in various alkalinity levels (0, 2, 4, 8, and 10%). Results showed that priming significantly improved shoot growth and root length in both hybrids CO-6 and VGI H (M)-2 exhibited varying levels of tolerance to alkalinity, with primed seeds generally outperforming unprimed seeds in shoot growth and root length. This study concludes that calcium carbonate priming can enhance maize tolerance to alkaline soils, improving overall plant health. Further field studies and biochemical tests are recommended to validate these findings and optimise maize cultivation in alkaline environments. This study offers a workable solution to the problems caused by soil alkalinity in maize cultivation, which advances sustainable agricultural techniques.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Organic Seed Priming Formulations on Germination and Seedling Growth in Acid Lime (Citrus aurantifolia Swingle) cv. Kagzi

The primary objective of this research was to evaluating the effectiveness of organic seed priming formulations on germination and seedling growth in acid lime cv. Kagzi at CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, during the period 2020-2021. The study comprised six distinct treatments of organic formulations, including beejamrit, cow urine (50% and 100%), cow dung, cow dung slurry, and control (without soaking). The seeds were soaked for a duration of 24 hours. The experiment was conducted using a completely randomized design with three replications. The study findings revealed that the control (without soaking) exhibited the highest germination percentage (45.17) and germination rate (2.38), followed closely by the beejamrit. Furthermore, the beejamrit treatment demonstrated remarkable seedling growth at 180 days after sowing, with the highest values recorded for seedling diameter (3.23 mm), seedling shoot length (36.90 cm), fresh shoot weight (3.26 g), fresh root weight (1.26 g), tap root length (37.57 cm), and survival percentage (91.50). Cow dung slurry also exhibited notable performance in terms of seedling growth parameters at 180 days after sowing with the beejamrit. Cow dung slurry showcased the highest number of secondary roots (50.00), number of leaves per seedling (31.67), leaf chlorophyll content (33.80 SPAD), and nitrogen content (1.52%), closely followed by the beejamrit treatment. Accelerating the rate of germination and growth of lime seedlings has become a top concern for nurserymen and scientists on a national level to reduce expenditures and time for seedling maintenance. For overcoming such types of problems at the nursery stage, contributing to more resilient and sustainable farming practices using organic seed priming is a good alternative against chemical seed priming.

Effect of Different Seed Priming Treatments on Seed Quality Components of Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)

The effects of different seed priming treatments, namely tap water, KNO3 @ 2.5%, Thiourea @ 1000 ppm, CaCl2 @ 2%, NaCl2 @ 2%, ZnSO4 @ 1%, KH2PO4 @ 1% and Salicylic acid @ 100 ppm solutions, on seed quality parameters of Barley cv. K-1055 and K-409 in Factorial Completely Randomized Block Design with four replications were investigated during 2022-23 and 2023-24 at the laboratory of Department of Seed Science and Technology, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture & Technology, Kanpur. Analysis of variance revealed that the all recorded seed quality parameters were significantly affected by various seed priming treatments. Priming with KNO3 @ 2.5 % showed maximum 1000 seed weight, standard germination %, seedling length, seedling root length, seedling shoot length, seedling dry weight, seed vigour index-I and seed vigour index-II.

The effects of Marrubium alysson and Torilis arvensis natural and nano extracts on priming of wheat seeds in response to drought

AbstractAgriculture and climate change are inextricably linked in various aspects. Droughts have become more frequent as a result of climate change, having a significant impact on crop productivity. As a result, the current study investigated the effect of seed priming with natural plant extract and biosynthesized nano plant extract as an environmentally friendly tool for mitigating the drought effect on wheat as an economic crop. The study investigates the biosynthesis of Ag-nano particles from extracts of Marrubium alysson and Torilis arvensis. The UV–Vis spectrophotometer was used to characterize the biosynthesized AgNPs. Wheat grains were primed with Marrubium alysson and Torilis arvensis, along with their nanoextracts, and grown in different water regimes (100%, 60% and 40% field capacity), as well as hydropriming. Leaves were collected to determine the photosynthetic pigments, phenolics, flavonoids, CAT, GPX, H2O2, MDA, soluble sugars, and soluble proteins. In comparison with hydropriming seeds, the study discovered that natural and nano extracts significantly increased the CAT and GPX, as well as soluble proteins. Phenolics, flavonoids, soluble sugars, H2O2, and MDA content all decreased significantly, but pigment content remained unchanged. The study believed that priming wheat with natural and nano extracts, improved drought tolerance through the use of their metabolites, which included soluble sugars, phenolics, and flavonoids, accumulating in other metabolites like lignin, starch, and flavolignan to increase plant tolerance and reduce oxidative damage. Furthermore, nano extracts of Torilis arvensis and Marrubium alysson may be more effective than plant extracts since they separate from each other in PCA analysis.

The implications of various seed priming treatments on seed yield in proso millet (Panicum miliaceum)

The experiment was conducted during rainy (kharif) season of 2021 and winter (rabi) season of 2022 at Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu to identify suitable seed priming technique, soaking duration and priming agents for halo, osmo, and bio-priming in proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.). To increase crop yield and sustainability in present-day agriculture, seed priming continues to be essential by utilizing scientific knowledge and technical breakthroughs. The experiment was laid out in factorial completely randomized design (FCRD) with three replications. The fresh seeds of proso millet cv. CO4 were imposed for halo, osmo, and bio priming treatments, viz. Agent for halo-priming: Control, hydropriming, KH2PO4 (1 and 2%), ZnSO4 (1 and 2%), and CaCl2 (1 and 2%); Agent for osmo-priming: Control, hydropriming, NaCl (1 and 2%), Mannitol (1 and 2%), and PEG (-10 and -15 Bar); Agent for bio-priming: Control, hydropriming, Azospirillum (15 and 20%), P. fluorescens (LF) (10 and 15%), Prosophis LE (5 and 10%), and soaked in equal volumes for 6 and 8 h. The results revealed that for halo priming, seeds soaked in 2% KH2PO4 for 8 h; for osmo priming seeds soaked in 2% mannitol for 8 h and for bio-priming seeds soaked in 15% P. fluorescens (LF) for 8 h outperformed other treatments. Field experiments were also conducted to determine the productivity of seed primed proso millet. The results showed that the crop performance was superior in seeds primed with 2% KH2PO4 for 8 h during kharif season than rabi.

Regulation of arsenate stress by nitric oxide and hydrogen sulfide in Oryza sativa seedlings: Implication of sulfur assimilation, glutathione biosynthesis, and the ascorbate-glutathione cycle and its genes

Seed priming by nitric oxide (NO) and hydrogen sulphide (H2S) in combating against abiotic stress in plants is well documented. However, knowledge of fundamental mechanisms of their crosstalk is scrambled. Therefore, the reported study examined the probable role of NO and H2S in the mitigation of arsenate toxicity (As(V)) in rice seedlings and whether their potential signalling routes crossover. Results report that As(V) toxicity limited shoot and root length growth with more As accumulation in roots. As(V) further caused elevated reactive oxygen species levels, inhibited ascorbate-glutathione cycle enzymes and relative gene expression of its enzymes and thus, causing lipid and protein oxidation. These results correlate with reduced nitric oxide synthase-like and L–cysteine desulfhydrase activity along with endogenous NO and H2S. While, L-NAME or PAG augmented As(V) toxicity, and addition of SNP or NaHS effectively reversed their respective effects. Furthermore, SNP under PAG or NaHS under L-NAME were able to pacify As(V) stress, implicating that endogenous NO and H2S efficiently ameliorate As(V) toxicity but without their shared signaling in rice seedlings.

Effect of Imbibition Phase-Based Low Water Potential Seed Priming on Seedling Vigour in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Effect of Imbibition Phase-Based Low Water Potential Seed Priming on Seedling Vigour in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Individual or successiveseed priming with nitric oxide and calcium toward enhancing salt tolerance of wheat crop through early ROS detoxification and activation of antioxidant defense

Despite the considerable efforts reported so far to enhance seed priming, novel ideas are still needed to be suggested to this sustainable sector of agri-seed industry. This could be the first study addressing the effect of nitric oxide (NO) under open field conditions. The impacts of seed redox-priming using sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and osmo-priming with calcium chloride (CaCl2), both applied individually or successively, were investigated under salinity stress conditions on wheat plants (Triticum aestivum L.). Various parameters, including water relations, growth, yield, photosynthetic pigments, and antioxidant activities (enzymatic and non-enzymatic), were recorded to assess the outcomes of these priming agents on mitigating the negative impacts of salinity stress on wheat plants. Water consumptive use (ETa) and irrigation water applied (IWA) decreased with seeds priming. Successive priming with SNP + CaCl2 induced the greatest values of crop water productivity (CWP), irrigation water productivity (IWP), seed index, grain yield and grain nitrogen content.Under salinity stress, the dry weight of plants was decreased. However, hydro-priming and successive chemical priming agents using combinations of calcium chloride and sodium nitroprusside (CaCl2 + SNP & SNP + CaCl2) preserved growth under salinity stress.Individual priming with sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and calcium chloride (CaCl2) resulted in the lowest recorded content of sodium in the shoot, with a value of 2 ppm. On the other hand, successive priming using CaCl2 + SNP or SNP + CaCl2 induced the contents of potassium in the shoot, with values of 40 ppm and 39 ppm, respectively. Malondialdehyde decreased in shoot significantly withapplicationof priming agents. Successive priming with CaCl2 + SNP induced the highest proline contents in shoot (6 µg/ g FW). The highest value of phenolics and total antioxidants contents in shoot were recorded under successive priming using CaCl2 + SNP and SNP + CaCl2.Priming agents improved the activities of ascorbate peroxidase and catalase enzymes. The successive priming improved water relations (ETa, IWA, CWP and IWP) and wheat growth and productivity under salinity stress more than individual priming treatments.

Optimizing Seed Priming Duration and Copper Levels for Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) Germination and Vigour

Background: An experiment was carried out in the STR Laboratory, Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur, MP, during the Rabi season of 2022-2023 to determine the impact of seed priming time and copper levels on seed germination and vigour characteristics of the coriander seedlings. Method: The experiment was laid out in completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications and 12 treatment combinations of Copper levels (0, 300, 400 and 500ppm) and soaking duration (14, 16 and 18 h). Results: The outcomes demonstrated that priming treatments had a noteworthy impact on seedling germination and vigour traits. Significantly higher germination (82%), least mean germination time (7.9 days), maximum germination index (22.83), longest radicle (17.30 cm) and plumule length (13.09 cm), maximum vigour index-I (2374.05 cm) and vigour index-II (12.29 g) and lowest mortality rate (18%) was observed when seeds were primed with Cu @ 500 ppm soaking for 16 h. Success of crop production depends on quality of seeds and it’s germination percentage. Quality of seed susceptible to diverse climatic conditions resulting poor vigour and germination. Since availability of quality seed of coriander is very low, seed priming is an excellent technique which improves germination and better crop stand.

Tetragonal crystalline MnO nanoparticles alleviate Pb stress in wheat by modulating antioxidant enzymes in leaves.

Agriculture ecosystems are seriously threatened by lead (Pb) contamination, which impacts plant growth and productivity. In this study, green synthesized manganese oxide nanoparticles (MnO NPs) using citrus peel were used for priming of wheat seeds. For the synthesis of MnO nanoparticles, peel extract of Citrus paradisi and 1mM solution of manganese acetate were stirred and calcinated at 500°C. Successful synthesis of MnO NPs was determined using advanced techniques. In Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), the presence of amines, alkanes, aldehydes, and alcohol molecules, on the surface of MnO NPs, confirmed their stability. X-ray diffraction analysis described their average size (22nm), while scanning electron microscopy showed tetragonal crystalline shape and nano-flowers structure of MnO NPs. Sharp peaks of energy dispersive x-ray analysis described the presence of oxygen (28.81%) and manganese (71.19%) on MnO NPs. Priming of wheat seeds with synthesized MnO NPs significantly improved the growth attributes of wheat seedlings including the size of leaf, root length, size of shoots, chlorophyll and carotenoid contents, relative water content, decreased relative electrolyte leakage, high proline accumulation and decreased concentration of malondialdehyde. Application of MnO NPs also helped plants to accumulate antioxidant enzymes in their leaves. These results proved that the priming of MnO NPs can greatly reduce lead-induced stress in wheat seedlings and these NPs can alsobe used for the priming of other crops.

Effects of priming duration and rhizosphere bacteria metabolite concentration on the germinability of cowpea, soybean, sesame, and okra seeds.

Seed priming enhances germination and growth, which are important determinants of crop yield. This study was carried out to assess the effect of priming duration and metabolite concentration on the priming of five (5) different crops, using the metabolites of five (5) bacterial isolates. The crop seeds were treated in the cold-extracted metabolites of the five isolates at five (5) different priming durations (1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 h) and then in five metabolite concentrations (200, 400, 600, 800, and 1000 mg/L) of the five extracted metabolites at the optimal priming duration determined in the first experiment. Characterization of the cold-extracted metabolites was also carried out using gas-chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Results revealed that priming cowpea and soybean for longer durations (< 3 h) could hinder their growth and development. Lower concentrations were observed to be optimal for cowpea and soybean, but for sesame and okra, there was no detectable pattern with metabolite concentration. The GC-MS revealed the presence of some molecules (e.g. hexadecanoic acid) that have shown plant growth promotion potential in other studies. This study showed that seeds with large endosperm, such as, cowpea and soybean, are more prone to the deleterious effects of treatment for longer durations. Further experiments should be carried out to isolate and purify the bioactive moieties for further studies and onward application.

Endophytic bacterium Sphingomonas panaciterrae NB5 influences soil properties and improves growth, nutrient contents, and yield of red amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor L.)

Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are crucial for enhancing plant growth and restoring soil health. Despite the excellent plant growth promoting traits, information is limited on the efficacy of Sphingomonas as a PGPR, especially in vegetable crops. In this study, we used Sphingomonas panaciterrae NB5 as a biofertilizer in leafy vegetable red amaranth in three methods: seed priming (SP), root drenching + foliar (RD + FA), and bacterial culture filtrate (BCF) foliar application. Bio-inoculation of NB5 significantly increased the plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, stem girth, total chlorophyll, vitamin C, and antioxidant contents of red amaranth in all methods of application. Bacterial treatment resulted in notable alterations to the root structure, consisting of the formation of secondary, tertiary, and fibrous roots, particularly in the BCF foliar application and RD + FA treatment.The fresh and dry biomass significantly increased both in root and shoot, resulting in improved yield. The nutritional profile revealed that bacterial application significantly increased the nitrogen, potassium, magnesium, iron, and zinc content, with a slight increase in phosphorus content, in shoots and roots in all the methods of bacterial application compared to control. In post-harvest soil, NB5 boosted total nitrogen, available phosphorus, calcium, and sulfur, as well as soil organic carbon (SOC) and total bacterial populations, regardless of the application methods. The RD+FA treatment outperformed the other methods of application in most of the plant and soil parameters, and the next was the BCF foliar application. Multivariate analysis also confirmed the better performance of RD+ FA and BCF foliar applications. Therefore, simultaneous application of NB5 through root drenching and foliar application could be recommended to the farmers for increasing the yield of red amaranth with improved nutrients and restoring soil health and productivity.

Seed Quality of Two Sunflower Cultivar by Seed Priming Effect with Seaweed Extract

Seed Quality of Two Sunflower Cultivar by Seed Priming Effect with Seaweed Extract

Effect of halo priming on germination and growth parameters of finger millet, little millet, and barnyard millet under osmotic stress

Seed priming has gained attention as a sustainable approach to improve crop performance. Halopriming, in particular, has shown promise in enhancing germination, growth, and stress tolerance. This study aimed to assess the effect of halopriming on the growth of finger millet (Eleusine coracana) variety CO(Ra) 15, little millet (Panicum sumatrense) variety ATL 1, and barnyard millet (Echinochloa frumentacea) variety CO(KV) 2 in osmotic conditions. The experiment used different salt solutions with 0, 1, and 1.8 g/L NaCl concentrations. In Hp1 (halo priming 1) finger millet variety CO(Ra) 15, 100% seed germination was observed in normal conditions. In Hp2, the little millet variety ATL 1 has shown 100% seed germination under osmotic stress with a concentration of 1 g/L NaCl (S1). In Hp1, barnyard millet variety CO(KV)2 showed 100% seed germination under osmotic stress with a concentration of 1.8 g/L NaCl (S2). Various growth parameters were recorded, and results showed that the barnyard millet variety Co (KV)2 and the little millet variety ATL 1, both under the Hp1 category, demonstrated the longest shoot lengths of 7.3 cm and 5.85 cm respectively under salt stress (S1). Furthermore, In Hp 1 finger millet variety CO(Ra) 15 recorded the highest root length of 12.25 under salt stress (S2). Vigour Index showed that Hp1 showed positive results regarding the germination percentage and seedling growth of finger millet variety CO(Ra) 15 and little millet variety ATL 1. This study suggested halopriming is an effective technique for promoting sustainable agriculture, especially in areas affected by salinity stress.

Influence of seed priming in the germination and yield performances of common buckwheat

The study, conducted from November 2019 to March 2020 at the Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science in Rupandehi, Nepal, aimed to evaluate the effects of seed priming techniques on common buckwheat. The experiment comprised eleven treatments with three replications each. Germination parameters were analyzed in the laboratory using a complete block design, while growth and yield parameters were assessed in the field using a randomized complete block design. The results indicated significant improvements in all germination and yield parameters of buckwheat due to seed priming. Notably, the 48-hour hydropriming treatment exhibited the highest performance, yielding a germination percentage of 87.167%, a speed of germination of 66.62, a vigor index of 52.78, a grain yield of 1518.988 kgha-1, a test weight of 19.533 g, and a harvest index of 0.405. These findings suggest that priming seeds with water for 48 hours can effectively enhance the germination, growth, and yield attributes of common buckwheat.

Unlocking the Green Potential: Enhancing Maize (Zea mays L.) Germination, Growth, and Yield through Innovative Seed Priming in Taplejung, Nepal

A cheap and ecologically friendly pre-sowing method that increases germination rates and seedling vigor, which in turn enhances growth and productivity, is considered seed priming. A field experiment was conducted in 2022 in farmer’s field to evaluate the effective priming method suitable for the balanced germination, growth, and yield of maize. An experiment consists of a single-factor randomized complete block design with 3 replications and 8 treatments. The analysis of the data was conducted with R Studio software at the p &lt;0.05 level of significance, and a mean comparison was done using DMRT (Duncan's Multiple Range Test). According to this study, seed priming increased the germination, growth, and yield of crop growth parameters such as germination percentage, germination index, days to 100% germination, stem diameter at 35 days, days to 100% tasseling, days to 100% silking, plant population/ha, number of cobs per plant, ear length, ear girth, kernels per cob, 1000 kernel weight, fresh grain yield, adjusted grain yield, fresh Stover yield, and fresh biomass yield. The highest germination percentage (98.61%) and index (11.89 days), the earliest days to 100% germination (12.00 days), early tassel emergence (63.00 days), early silking emergence (66.00 days), the highest number of kernels per cob (529.37), 1000 kernel weight (337.10 g), harvest index (0.62), ear length (22.38 mm), and ear girth (49.72mm) were recorded on the treatment primed with cow urine for 18 hours. However, the highest fresh Stover yield (2954.07 kg/ha) and fresh biomass yield (6336.29 kg/ha) are recorded on stoves primed with DAP for 18 hours. Cow-urine priming for 18 hours improved the germination and economic yield of maize. Efficient cow-urine priming is a cost-effective, eco-friendly, and finest alternative approach to increasing the maize yield.

Pulsed high power microwave seeds priming modulates germination, growth, redox homeostasis, and hormonal shifts in barley for improved seedling growth: Unleashing the molecular dynamics

Increasing the seed germination potential and seedling growth rates play a pivotal role in increasing overall crop productivity. Seed germination and early vegetative (seedling) growth are critical developmental stages in plants. High-power microwave (HPM) technology has facilitated both the emergence of novel applications and improvements to existing in agriculture. The implications of pulsed HPM on agriculture remain unexplored. In this study, we have investigated the effects of pulsed HPM exposure on barley germination and seedling growth, elucidating the plausible underlying mechanisms. Barley seeds underwent direct HPM irradiation, with 60 pulses by 2.04 mJ/pulse, across three distinct irradiation settings: dry, submerged in deionized (DI) water, and submerged in DI water one day before exposure. Seed germination significantly increased in all HPM-treated groups, where the HPM-dry group exhibited a notable increase, with a 2.48-fold rise at day 2 and a 1.9-fold increment at day 3. Similarly, all HPM-treated groups displayed significant enhancements in water uptake, and seedling growth (weight and length), as well as elevated levels of chlorophyll, carotenoids, and total soluble protein content. The obtained results indicate that when comparing three irradiation setting, HPM-dry showed the most promising effects. Condition HPM seed treatment increases the level of reactive species within the barley seedlings, thereby modulating plant biochemistry, physiology, and different cellular signaling cascades via induced enzymatic activities. Notably, the markers associated with plant growth are upregulated and growth inhibitory markers are downregulated post-HPM exposure. Under optimal HPM-dry treatment, auxin (IAA) levels increased threefold, while ABA levels decreased by up to 65 %. These molecular findings illuminate the intricate regulatory mechanisms governing phenotypic changes in barley seedlings subjected to HPM treatment. The results of this study might play a key role to understand molecular mechanisms after pulsed-HPM irradiation of seeds, contributing significantly to address the global need of sustainable crop yield.