Seed Priming in Legume Crops: Mechanisms, Applications and Future Directions for Enhanced Germination, Growth and Abiotic Stress Tolerance in Sustainable Agriculture: A Review
Siyabonga Ntshalintshali, Sanele Goodenough Pecevierence Sibiya, Nolwazi Mabuza, Mbukeni Nkomo, Lungelo Given Buthelezi
Abstract
ABSTRACT Legume crops, essential for global agriculture due to their high nutritional value and nitrogen‐fixing ability, often face significant yield reductions from environmental stresses like salinity, drought and extreme temperatures. Seed priming has emerged as a promising pre‐sowing strategy to improve seed vigour, stress tolerance and overall crop performance. Despite numerous studies exploring different seed priming techniques, including hydropriming, osmo‐priming, halo‐priming and bio‐priming, there is a lack of consolidated insights on their comparative effectiveness across legume species. This review aims to fill that gap by evaluating the mechanisms through which seed priming enhances germination, plant growth and yield under stress conditions. By highlighting key findings and identifying gaps in the current research, this review outlines the importance of optimising seed priming protocols tailored to specific legume species and stress conditions. Advancing research in field settings and prioritising underutilised legume species is essential to strengthen global food security in the context of climate change. These efforts directly support Sustainable Development Goal 2: Zero Hunger, by promoting resilient agricultural systems and improving the availability of nutritious food.