Seed quality enhancements in vegetables: An approach towards climatic stress mitigation

Abstract

Throughout the life cycle, crops are exposed to a wide range of abiotic stresses such as cold, heat, drought, flooding, salinity, heavy metals, which impose a negative impact on plant growth and productivity. Seed being a small delicate living entity is more vulnerable to these stresses. Moreover, seed being a starting point of plant life, faces these stresses at first and foremost during germination. Faster and uniform germination of seed as well as establishment of vigorous crop is very much important, which in turn depends on seed germination and vigour per se. Hence, seed enhancement through different invigoration techniques could be an effective approach to strengthen the seed.