Working Groups
Five Working Groups drive PrimSeedPower’s research, from molecular mechanisms to policy impact. Click a group below to explore its tasks and outputs.
Molecular Mechanisms and Priming Responses
WG1 investigates how biological, chemical and physical priming agents influence seeds and plants at physiological, biochemical, molecular and multi-omics levels. The Working Group will compare priming responses across treatments, crops and stress conditions and identify common and treatment-specific markers associated with improved germination, growth and stress tolerance.
Main Tasks
T1.1 Mapping seed priming approaches
Compile and classify biological, chemical and physical priming agents, target crops, stress conditions and experimental approaches.
T1.2 Physiological and biochemical responses
Analyse germination, seedling vigour, growth, photosynthesis, antioxidant responses, osmotic adjustment and other indicators of plant performance.
T1.3 Molecular and multi-omics responses
Integrate transcriptomic, proteomic, metabolomic, genomic and epigenetic evidence to identify regulatory networks and priming biomarkers.
T1.4 Seed stress memory
Examine molecular and epigenetic processes associated with retained or inherited priming responses.
T1.5 Knowledge transfer across plant systems
Support the translation of discoveries from model species into agriculturally important crops.
Expected Outputs
- Inventory of priming approaches
- Report on seed and plant responses
- Identification of common molecular pathways
- Review and methodology publications
- Shared terminology and research priorities
Seed Priming Applications in Agronomy
WG2 translates molecular and physiological knowledge into practical priming protocols for crops and agricultural systems. It aims to identify common markers associated with beneficial plant performance and develop adaptable protocols for different crops, traits, stresses and production environments.
Main Tasks
T2.1 Agronomic priming protocols
Evaluate promising priming approaches for crops under controlled and field conditions.
T2.2 Common markers and crop performance
Connect molecular and biochemical markers identified by WG1 with germination, establishment, biomass, yield and stress resilience.
T2.3 Crop-specific and trait-specific optimisation
Develop protocols tailored to selected crops, target traits and environmental challenges.
T2.4 Field validation
Compare priming outcomes across different geographical regions, soil conditions, climates and production systems.
T2.5 Best practices for users
Translate scientific results into accessible guidance for researchers, agronomists, farmers and companies.
Expected Outputs
- Crop-specific protocols
- Best-practice guides
- Field validation reports
- Methodology publications
- Open protocol repository
Risk Assessment and Policy Development
WG3 evaluates the potential environmental, agronomic, human-health and regulatory implications of different priming agents. The Working Group will ensure that seed priming innovation is supported by evidence-based risk assessment, appropriate standards, practical mitigation strategies and dialogue with policymakers and regulatory bodies.
Main Tasks
T3.1 Risk identification and assessment
Assess possible risks associated with biological, chemical, physical and emerging priming technologies.
T3.2 Environmental and agronomic safety
Consider effects on soil health, non-target organisms, crop quality, ecosystems and long-term agricultural use.
T3.3 Stakeholder and policy workshops
Engage regulators, policymakers, farmers, industry representatives and researchers in structured dialogue.
T3.4 Standards and guidelines
Develop recommendations for safe, effective and responsible seed priming practices.
T3.5 Policy development
Prepare policy briefs and recommendations supporting sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture.
Expected Outputs
- Risk identification report
- Stakeholder consultations
- Safety and mitigation guidance
- Standards and protocol recommendations
- Policy briefs
Engagement and Knowledge Dissemination
WG4 connects PrimSeedPower with the scientific community, farmers, agronomists, seed companies, biotechnology, policymakers, students and the public. It supports communication, stakeholder co-creation, training, open science, public awareness and the practical transfer of seed priming knowledge.
Main Tasks
T4.1 Stakeholder mapping
Create and continuously update a stakeholder database covering participating countries and relevant sectors.
T4.2 Communication and public awareness
Develop news, videos, infographics, interviews, social-media campaigns and educational materials.
T4.3 Webinars and training
Organise webinars, hands-on training, workshops and Training Schools.
T4.4 Knowledge transfer
Facilitate interaction among researchers, industry, farmers and policymakers.
T4.5 Open science and resources
Ensure that protocols, publications, reports and training materials are openly accessible whenever possible.
Expected Outputs
- Stakeholder database
- Website and engagement platform
- Newsletters
- Webinars and training materials
- Public communication resources
- Stakeholder events
Management and Coordination
WG5 ensures the effective strategic, administrative and financial coordination of PrimSeedPower. It supports internal communication, Action governance, reporting, event planning, website management and long-term collaboration.
Main Tasks
T5.1 Website and newsletters
Maintain the central communication platform and publish regular updates.
T5.2 Coordination and governance
Support meetings of the Management Committee, Core Group and Working Groups.
T5.3 Monitoring and reporting
Coordinate activity reports, progress monitoring and financial reporting.
T5.4 Action events
Support annual scientific meetings, workshops, Training Schools and stakeholder events.
T5.5 Sustainability
Develop mechanisms for continued collaboration, joint proposals and knowledge exchange after the Action ends.
Expected Outputs
- Sustainability plan for continued collaboration and joint proposals