Tomato seed biopriming: Unveiling molecular mechanisms for enhanced biotic stress management

Abstract Tomato production worldwide is threatened by various biotic stresses, including fungal and bacterial pathogens, which significantly reduce yield and fruit quality. Seed biopriming has become a promising and sustainable alternative to traditional chemical controls because it establishes beneficial plant-microorganism interactions at the early stage of tomato growth, allowing tomato plants to activate defense responses more quickly and effectively when attacked by pathogens such as Fusarium oxysporum f.sp . lycopersici . This increased resistance is achieved through strengthening Pattern-triggered immunity (PTI) in tomato plants, adjusting key hormone pathways, such as salicylic acid (SA), jasmonate/ethylene (JA/ET), and abscisic acid (ABA), and increasing major antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POD), which work together to reduce oxidative damage. Additionally, tomato seed biopriming activates the phenylpropanoid pathway and boosts lignin production, reinforcing cell wall strength and increasing levels of defensive secondary metabolites. Importantly, biopriming can establish epigenetic memory, including DNA methylation and histone modification patterns, allowing defense readiness to persist beyond the initial stimulus. Beyond resistance, seed biopriming enhances tomato root development, nutrient acquisition, and fruit nutritional quality, contributing to plant resilience and yield stability. Overall, seed biopriming represents a cost-effective and eco-friendly strategy that supports sustainable tomato production systems.