CuO@SiO 2 Seed Priming Enhances Drought Tolerance and Phosphorus Acquisition Efficiency of Maize

NPs-primed seeds. Additionally, seed priming altered the seed metabolite profile, systematically elevating the content of adenosine triphosphate (24.1%), amino acids (7.6-105%), sugars (20-24%), organic acids (49-121%), phenolic acids (47-315%), and fatty acids (4.2-39%), indicating the boosted respiration and accelerated mobilization of seed stored reserves. Collectively, this simple and inexpensive ($0.62-1.15 per acre) seed priming strategy effectively enhances maize resilience to water and nutrient stress, offering a promising path toward sustainable food security.