Next generation chemical priming: with a little help from our nanocarrier friends

Abstract

Plants are exposed to multiple threats linked to climate change which can cause critical yield losses. Therefore, designing novel crop management tools is crucial. Chemical priming has recently emerged as an effective technology for improving tolerance to stress factors. Several compounds such as phytohormones, reactive species, and synthetic chimeras have been identified as promising priming agents. Following remarkable developments in nanotechnology, several unique nanocarriers (NCs) have been engineered that can act as smart delivery systems. These provide an eco-friendly, next-generation method for chemical priming, leading to increased efficiency and reduced overall chemical usage. We review novel engineered NCs (NENCs) as vehicles for chemical agents in advanced priming strategies, and address challenges and opportunities to be met towards achieving sustainable agriculture.