This chapter delves into the transformative potential of nanomaterials within the context of sustainable agriculture, specifically concentrating on their influence on seedlings. The section initiates with an introduction to nanotechnology’s role in agriculture, emphasizing the broader contribution of nanomaterials towards enhancing crop resilience to abiotic stressors. Subsequent subsections explore the application of nanomaterials as agents for seed pre-treatment, unraveling the intricacies of methods, dosages, and underlying mechanisms. The narrative then shifts towards the growth-promoting effects of nanomaterials on seedlings, spotlighting their role in augmenting nutrient uptake and utilization. Furthermore, it investigates the impact of nanomaterials on plant development, scrutinizing their ability to modify morphological traits and influence key physiological processes. The chapter concludes with a comprehensive discussion on challenges associated with the application of nanomaterials in agriculture, coupled with insights into future research directions, thereby establishing a robust foundation for understanding the expansive potential of nanomaterials in advancing sustainable crop resilience. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2026.