Seed Priming Effects on Germination, Growth and Yield of Dry Direct-Seeded Rice

Abstract

Insufficient seedling stand establishment is one of the major obstacles for achieving potential yield of dry direct-seeded rice (Oryza sativa L.). In the present study, seed priming technique was explored for improving germination and crop performance of dry direct-seeded rice. Seed-priming treatments used during the investigation included untreated control, hydro-priming, water hardening, and osmo-hardening with KCl. Priming reduced mean germination time and improved germination index, seedling vigor index, and germination energy. Hydro-priming was the best treatment, followed by water hardening, in improving seedling growth, leaf area index, panicles/m², and grain yield of dry direct-seeded rice.

Keywords:

• Aerobic rice
• seed treatment
• LAI
• root length
• shoot length
• seedling dry weight