Abstract
In this study the effect of carbon dioxide on the physiological and sanitary quality of rice seed during storage is reported. The experimental design was completely randomized in a 2x3x3 factorial arrangement, with two cultivars (Irga 423 and 424), three concentrations of carbon dioxide (0, 25 and 50%) and three storage periods (15, 30 and 45 days). According to the results, it was found that carbon dioxide maintains germination and vigor, and reduces mycoflora associated with the seed. The incidence of Aspergillus sp., Fusarium sp. and Rhizoctonia sp. was reduced respectively in proportions of 50%, 75% and 100%, when the seeds were submitted to the a 50% concentration of carbon dioxide for 45 days storage. As regards seed-seedling transmission, only the fungus was able to promote Bipolaris sp. disease in seedlings from seeds treated with carbon dioxide. In this context, carbon dioxide is a viable alternative for maintaining the quality of rice seeds during storage.
Highlights
Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is grown on all continents and is notable for the size of its production and cultivation area, playing a strategic role in both the economic and the social sphere (EMBRAPA, 2012)
After the treatment with carbon dioxide, it was possible to observe that the seeds presented germination rates higher than 90%, especially under the concentration of 50% of carbon dioxide at all periods (15, 30 and 45 days)
It was found that, regardless of treatment, the germination remained stable and got higher during the storage period, it is noted that the seeds treated with carbon dioxide presented higher germination in relation to the untreated seeds (Table 1)
Summary
Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is grown on all continents and is notable for the size of its production and cultivation area, playing a strategic role in both the economic and the social sphere (EMBRAPA, 2012). The acreage planted reaches 150 million hectares, with a production of 600 million tons (AZAMBUJA et al, 2004; TUNES et al, 2013). In this context, Brazil is a major producer of rice, harvesting 8.05 million tons in 2012/2013, with the state of Rio Grande do Sul being the major producer (CONAB, 2013). Tocantins state ranks fourth in national production, with 565,700 tons in 119,100 hectares of planted area, ranking second in total grain production (IBGE, 2013). The use of high quality seeds is increasingly being prospected for rice growers as the most effective means to minimize production costs. The seeds should form a good initial stand, seeking better profitability of the crop (JUGRAN et al, 2010)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call