Transcriptomic insights into <i>Piriformospora indica</i>-mediated regulation enhancing tobacco seed germination

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