Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Seed quality plays a defining role in the successful establishment and commercial value of ornamental crops, where uniform emergence, vigorous growth, and synchronized flowering are critical for market acceptance. Many ornamentals possess small, delicate, or physiologically complex seeds, making them highly responsive to targeted post-harvest enhancements. This review synthesizes recent progress in seed enhancement technologies, encompassing conventional, physiological, physical, biological, and nanotechnological interventions. Dormancy-breaking strategies such as scarification, stratification, and hydropriming continue to support germination in hard- or slow-germinating species, while seed protection treatments using fungicides, beneficial microbes, and botanical extracts improve seedling survival under nursery conditions. Seed coating technologies-including film-coating, encrusting, and pelleting-enable precise sowing and controlled delivery of active compounds, particularly in species with ultra-small seeds. Advanced techniques such as nanopriming, plasma exposure, magnetopriming, ultrasonic stimulation, microwave-assisted treatment, and low-dose irradiation have demonstrated significant improvements in seed vigour, stress tolerance, and metabolic activation by modulating biochemical pathways and enhancing water uptake. Applications in major ornamentals such as marigold, petunia, chrysanthemum, and zinnia confirm the effectiveness of these technologies in improving establishment and physiological performance. Despite substantial progress, challenges remain regarding the storability of primed seeds, safety of engineered nanomaterials, and the need for standardized, species-specific protocols. Future advancements integrating molecular diagnostics, sustainable biomaterials, and precision-based physical treatments will shape the next generation of seed enhancement strategies for ornamental horticulture
Source: PLANT ARCHIVES
Authors: Prativa Anand, Vanlalruati Vanlalruati
Language: English
Subfield: Plant Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W7128675901