Vigor tests to evaluate rice seeds behavior during hydration and germinative performance in the field

Abstract

The objective of this research was to study laboratory tests in order to classify rice seed lots as to vigor levels and relate them with the hydration behavior of seeds and with seedling emergence in the field. Five seed lots of the cultivar rice IRGA 417 were submitted to the standard germination and the following vigor tests : first count germination, cold test (without soil), accelerated aging, accelerated aging with saline solution, speed of germination, strictu sensu vigor test evaluated the mean time to germinate and germination index; primary root protrusion earliness, field seedling emergence and hydration curve. These data were then related with field seedling emergence. It was concluded that germination index tests, determined by the strictu sensu test, the aging test with saline solution, the primary root protrusion earliness, and hydration curve are capable to classify seed lots as a function of physiological quality and therefore, are promising tools to evaluate the physiological potential of rice seeds lots.

Additional keywords: Oryza sativa (L.); physiological potential and seeds analysis.