Transcriptomic insights into Piriformospora indica-mediated regulation enhancing tobacco seed germination

Seed germination is vital for crop emergence and yield. Seed biopriming with beneficial microbes like Piriformospora indica has gained attention for promoting plant growth and stress tolerance. This study used tobacco as a model to explore P. indica’s germination-enhancing mechanisms through physiological and transcriptomic analyses via RNA-Seq under controlled laboratory conditions. Results showed P. indica enhanced lipid and starch degradation, upregulated related genes, and optimized sugar metabolism networks. In energy metabolism, P. indica reprogrammed genes in glycolysis, pyruvate metabolism, and the TCA cycle, forming an efficient energy-generating network. P. indica also activated phenylpropanoid biosynthesis genes and antioxidant enzyme activity, reducing oxidative stress. In summary, P. indica likely improves tobacco seed germination via metabolic remodeling, energy optimization, and oxidative defense. These findings offer insights into P. indica’s role in seed germination and hold promise for seed coating and early-stage biostimulant formulations in crops.