Photosynthetic functions in plants subjected to stresses are positively influenced by priming

• Published in: Plant stress (Amsterdam) Vol. 4; p. 100079
• Main Authors: Sherin, George, Aswathi, K.P. Raj, Puthur, Jos T.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.04.2022; Elsevier
• Subjects: Carbon assimilation; Chl a fluorescence; Photosystems; Pigments; Priming; Stress; Yield; Photosystems; Pigments; Priming; Chl a fluorescence; Yield; Carbon assimilation; Stress
• ISSN: 2667-064X; 2667-064X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.stress.2022.100079

•Priming of seeds and seedlings modulates the photosynthetic performance of plants.•Improvement in pigment content and photosystem functions in primed plants provide better photosynthetic efficiency.•Augmented stress tolerance response of primed plants offer protection to photosynthetic machinery.•Enhancement in yield and productivity can be achieved through priming techniques. Photosynthesis is a process that has got immense importance due to its unique role in sustaining life on earth. Exposure to various biotic and abiotic stresses adversely affects the photosynthesis in plants and reduces crop yield. In this scenario, the necessity for mitigating the impacts of stressors on the photosynthetic machinery of plants needs urgent attention. Priming techniques can alleviate the stress effects and help the plants to have a better crop stand. The increased amount of photosynthetic pigments such as chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, carotenoids and anthocyanins, better photosystem stability, improved Chl a fluorescence parameters, enhanced carboxylation efficiency of Rubisco are the major benefits attained with priming treatments. The overall enhancement in photosynthetic attributes of primed plants ultimately increases plant growth, plant biomass, yield and productivity. Priming associated molecular changes on the photosynthetic performance of plants need to be understood for developing photosynthetically efficient plants under stress conditions so that productivity is not compromised.