The second volume of this book presents a focused reference on biological, molecular, and nutrient‑based approaches to seed priming. It brings together current knowledge on living organisms and natural compounds used as priming agents and places them in an applied agricultural context. The book emphasizes biological inputs as practical tools for improving seed performance and early crop establishment, with attention to sustainability and resource efficiency.

The chapters begin with the basics of seed priming to set a common foundation, followed by sections on beneficial bacterial priming using plant growth promoting rhizobacteria. The content then moves to fungal priming, including yeast and mycorrhiza, and cyanobacterial priming, before addressing microbial consortia as combined biological systems.

This book serves as a useful reading resource for postgraduate students, researchers, teachers, and professionals in plant sciences, microbiology, agronomy, and sustainable agriculture.

Dr. Harmanjit Kaur is currently serving as Assistant Professor in the Department of Botany at the University of Allahabad, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India. Prior to this, she completed her Ph.D. from Panjab University, Chandigarh, and held several research fellowships. She stood first throughout her academic career, earning multiple awards and a gold medal in her M.Sc. Her research interests include plant stress physiology and plant–microbe interactions. She has been honored with several recognitions, including the Young Scientist Award and best presentation awards at national conferences. Dr. Kaur has contributed extensively to the field through numerous international publications and book chapters.

Dr. Sudhakar Srivastava is an Assistant Professor at the Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.  He is also an Adjunct Professor in Chulalongkorn University, Thailand. He holds a Ph.D. in Botany from the University of Lucknow and has previously worked at CSIR-NBRI, Lucknow, and Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai. His expertise lies in plant responses to environmental stress, especially arsenic toxicity and phytoremediation. Dr. Srivastava has received several national and international awards, including the Platinum Jubilee Young Scientist Award and recognition among the top 2% scientists globally. He has an extensive record of peer-reviewed publications and editorial contributions.