Seed priming enhances emergence, yield, and quality of direct-seeded rice

Abstract

solution was found to be better for vigor enhancement than other priming strategies. Although seed priming techniques have been found effective for better germination and seedling establishment in rice under controlled conditions (Basra et al 2005, Farooq et al 2006), and although some success in enhancing the performance of direct-seeded rice has been reported (Du and Tuong 2002), no comprehensive study has yet been done to evaluate the response to a wide range of seed invigoration techniques to enhance germination, yield, and quality of harvested paddy. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a range of seed priming techniques in improving germination, yield, and quality of direct-seeded rice. Coarse (KS 282) and fine rice (Super basmati) seeds were used in the study. The moisture content of the seed was around 8%. The 2004-05 study was conducted in 6.5 × 4.5-m plots. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications.