ZnO nanoparticle-based seed priming modulates early growth and enhances physio-biochemical and metabolic profiles of fragrant rice against cadmium toxicity

Abstract Background Cadmium (Cd) is amongst the most toxic heavy metals that severely affects crop growth, whereas application of nanoparticles (NPs) to negate effects could be an effective management approach. In present study, seeds two fragrant rice varieties i.e., Yuxiangyouzhan and Xiangyaxiangzhan under normal Cd stress conditions 0 100 mg L ? 1 applied with four levels ZnO NPs 0, 25, 50, . Results Seed priming had no significant effect on seed germination ( p > 0.05) however, it substantially improved seedling growth other related physiological attributes stress. The mean fresh weight shoot, whole was increased by 16.92–27.88% after application. root weight, root-shoot length also treatment. Moreover, induced modulations in biochemical e.g., superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity peroxidase (POD) metallothionein contents were low NPs. ?-amylase total amylase Stress. Besides, modulation Zn concentration uptake detected. metabolomic analysis indicated various pathways such as alanine, aspartate glutamate metabolism, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, taurine hypotaurine metabolism possibly important for response Cd. Conclusion Overall, early physio-biochemical rice. Our findings provide new insights regarding germination, rice, its potential applications developing resilience against contaminated soils.