Seed priming-mediated induced disease resistance in arid zone plants

Abstract

Priming of seed provokes plants to activate defence responses more quickly and effectively against phytopathogens without alternating plant growth and has the potential to emerge as a strategic tool for modern plant protection. Seed priming is an attractive, simple and cost-effective strategy that induces systemic resistance to control the plant diseases. Seed primed through microorganisms reflects biochemical/physiological changes leading to the synthesis of proteins and chemicals involved in induced systemic resistance and increases the efficacy of the plant against several pathogens. The present chapter summarizes the current knowledge of the seed priming and its relevance for plant protection with special reference to bio-priming.