Abstract
AbstractGermination and seedling establishment of rice (Oryza sativa L.) is usually less than optimum in water saturated and flooded soils apparently because of a deficiency of available oxygen (O2). However, the effect of low O2 level on rice germination and seedling development is not well defined. To evaluate the effect of varying O2 level on rice seedling development and to identify rice cultivars which may be more tolerant to the low O2 concentrations associated with water saturated rice soils, seeds of four rice cultivars were incubated in water containing six O2 concentrations. Gas flow meters and regulators allowed mixing of air and N2 gas to obtain O2 levels of 21, 10.5, 5.3, 2.0, 1.0, and 0% (99.995% N2 gas) which were bubbled through special water filled containers placed in a growth chamber providing 400 microeinstein m−2 sec−1 light intensity, 12‐hour day, and 27 C constant temperature.Oxygen concentration had little effect on coleoptile emergence from rice seed but low O2 levels enhanced coleoptile elongation. Maximum coleoptile length (20 mm) occurred at 0% O2, making it appear that rice germinated at very low O2 levels. However, it was apparent that root and shoot (leaf) growth were inhibited at 0% O2, providing evidence that low O2 levels can restrict rice stand establishment.The critical O2 level for maximum shoot elongation appeared to be about 5%. The critical O2 level for root elongation was less evident. Roots of ‘Labelle’ and “Bellemont’ seedlings reached maximum length at O2 levels as low as 5% whereas roots of ‘Calrose 76’ and ‘M 101’ seedlings continued to increase in length as the O2 level was maintained at 10.5 and even 21%. Differences in cultivar tolerance to low O2 levels were observed among the 10 cultivars evaluated. Also, rice cultivars exhibited tolerance to low O2 levels in terms of one parameter (root, shoot, or coleoptile length) without showing tolerance in terms of the other two parameters.
Published Version
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 callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
