Zinc-bionanocrystals priming unlocks potential for enhancing wheat seed germination for sustainable agriculture

This study investigates the efficacy of seed priming with synthesized zinc-bionanocrystals (Zn-bionanocrystals) to enhance wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) germination and early seedling development. Zn-bionanocrystals were fabricated using ionotropic gelation with chitosan and a TPP cross-linker, exhibiting hydrodynamic diameters of 374–396 nm, zeta potentials of +39.7 to +44.6 mV, and low polydispersity indices (0.13–0.22). In-vitro experiments compared hydropriming, bulk zinc sulfate, and five Zn-bionanocrystal concentrations (200–1,000 ppm). Among all treatments, 600 ppm Zn-bionanocrystals yielded the most substantial improvements: a 74% increase in shoot length, 40% increase in fresh weight, and up to 4.08 seedling vigor index (SVI-II)—surpassing the control (2.65). Germination frequency reached 100%, and vitality index rose to 1,789, compared to 916 in the control. Enhanced biochemical responses were evident through increased chlorophyll content (9.5 mg/g FW vs 5.4 mg/g in the control), carotenoid levels (37.9 μg/g FW), α-amylase activity (4-fold increase), and protease activity (11-fold increase). The treatment also significantly reduced the mean length of incubation time and boosted the coefficient of velocity and germination index. These findings demonstrate the potential of Zn-bionanocrystal priming as an eco-friendly strategy to improve seed vigor, metabolic activity, and early establishment of wheat under controlled germination conditions, thus contributing to sustainable agriculture and food security.