## 2 Advances and Achievements in Seed Biotechnologies in the Decade 2014-2024
### Seed Quality Improvement Through Biotechnological Innovations
#### 2.2.2 Seed Biopriming Approaches in the Era of Sustainable Agriculture  
The injudicious application of chemicals to enhance agricultural output adversely impacts soil properties and the ecosystem. Bio-based resources have replaced chemicals and opened new avenues in agriculture. One promising advance in seed biotechnologies is seed priming performed via different methods: osmopriming (seed soaking in a solution of low water potential), hydropriming (seed soaking in water for imbibition), homopriming (seed treatment with phytohormones), biopriming (seed coating with beneficial microbes), and nutripriming (seed priming with nutrients in solution). Different priming procedures have distinct advantages and vary with the research aspect. Among these, the biopriming of plant seeds defines key significance and has garnered global attention, attributed to its huge potential in sustainable agriculture [88; 89]. Beneficial microbes positively impact plant growth and fitness and define potential in promoting sustainable agricultural practices [90; 91; 92; 93]. Studies have documented the integral role of beneficial organisms in the soil and can contribute to addressing global food shortage [94]. The microbes display direct and indirect mechanisms, namely the production of metabolites, phytohormones, antimicrobials, etc., to improve nutrient acquisition and enhance biotic/abiotic stress tolerance [95; 96; 97]. Although the contribution of beneficial microbes to smart agro-practices has been well established, proper delivery systems are needed for their efficacies under natural conditions [98]. Initially proposed by [PERSON] et al. [99], seed biopriming has witnessed considerable research to promote the increased colonization and survival of beneficial microbes on the seeds [100]. Different biological methods for seed biopriming were employed, comprising varying concentrations of microbial inoculant, incubation periods, and hydration approaches for seed soaking and drying [89]. Seed biopriming improves the seed's physiological performance and survival during stressful conditions, with no adverse impact on the environment [101]. Before seed sowing, seed coating with an individual microbe or consortia assists in plant growth, plant protection against pathogens [102], stress resilience, and soil health restoration in the agriculture arena [103]. [PERSON] and colleagues [104] primed _Zea mays_ L. seeds with _Gomus intrarradices_ (_Rhizophagus irregularis_), where the seeds were coated with fungal spore suspensions, air-dried, and incubated for 24 h. The biopriming procedure showed increased plant growth and yields, indicating a favorable outcome. Another study by [PERSON] et al. [105] discussed how priming lettuce seeds with _Azospirillum brasilense_ regulated the aging effects in seeds, improved seedling emergence and seed vigor, and decreased unhealthy seedlings. [PERSON] and coworkers [106] immersed _P. sativum_ seeds in Trichoderma asperellum suspension and it positively impacted plant growth attributes. Studies have employed biopriming procedures to alleviate abiotic stresses; [PERSON] et al. [107] showed increased plant biomass and survival of _Triticum aestivum_ L. plants under drought stress when seeds were primed with _Bacillus thuringiensis_ Berliner 1915 and _Paenibacillus polynyxa_. [PERSON] et al. [108] asserted that _Z. mays_ seeds primed with beneficial microbes induce local and systemic defense responses against _Rhizoctonia solani_ causing leaf and sheath blight disease. Seed biopriming defines multi-faceted benefits and improves seed germination and plant fitness. In the pre-germination stage, seed priming with beneficial microbes activates DNA repair pathways, protein synthesis, antioxidation, etc., while in the post-germination stage, it increases the activity of defense enzymes, increases soluble proteins and osmolytes, and modulates secondary metabolism [105]. However, the practical applications of biopriming in agriculture have been studied less.