Germination Capacity Research Articles

Development of a novel multivariate germination index to quantify seed hydration memory.

In recent decades, the concept of memory has gained significant attention in plant ecophysiology research. When memory is expressed during germination, it is referred to as 'seed hydration memory'. Although numerous metrics relate to different aspects of germination, the literature lacks a method for quantifying seed hydration memory. This study aimed to develop a Germination Memory Index (GMI); a mathematical tool designed to quantify seed memory. The GMI enables comparisons of different native or cultivated species germinating under various conditions following discontinuous hydration. We tested the GMI using data from an experiment that evaluated germination of Cereus jamacaru seeds subjected to water deficit after undergoing hydration and dehydration cycles (HD cycles). The index is calculated as the arithmetic mean of gains, if any, in germination capacity, expressed as germinability, that is time to reach 50% germination, mean germination rate, uniformity of germination, synchrony and germination uncertainty, obtained from discontinuous hydration of the seeds. The memory ranges from 0 ≤ GMI ≤1. Gains are observed when HD cycles enhance germination capacity, germination rate and synchrony while reducing time to reach 50% germination, uniformity and uncertainty compared to their reference values. The absence of memory occurs when GMI ≤0, indicating that the germination process is favourable without undergoing HD cycles. When germination only occurs after discontinuous hydration, GMI = 1. Using the GMI, we can accurately measure gains in germinative behaviour provided by HD cycles, as this index reflects changes not only in germination capacity but also in germination time, speed, uniformity, synchrony and uncertainty.

Effects of laundry washing on germination of cloth-dispersed seeds depends on washing intensity not on detergent type.

Unintentional human-vectored seed dispersal (HVD) occurs when the seed dispersal vectors are humans, and the seeds are attached to clothing or footwear during various outdoor activities. Since most plant species spread by HVD are invasives or weeds, the process can have globally relevant adverse environmental effects due to the growing global tourism industry. Here we evaluated whether the germination capacity of seeds can be reduced by laundry washing treatments used in households, in order to decrease the chance of unintended dispersal of plant species by clothing. We experimentally tested the effects of seven types of detergents with different chemical composition and three washing intensities in a full factorial design on the germination capacity of 18 plant species. Washing at high intensity (60°C) significantly decreased the germination capacity in 15 species, probably due to high temperatures and longer exposure times. Washing at low (30°C) and medium intensities (40°C) had no effect. Detergent type affected the germination capacity of only three species. The findings underscore the importance of laundry washing in seed dispersal, since the low and medium washing intensities and detergent types that are commonly used in households do not decrease the germination capacity of the cloth-dispersed seeds. We urge addressing the spread of HVD-dispersed seeds through combined biosecurity measures. Self-regulation, such as removing of seeds from clothes and disposing them properly, is crucial. Informing outdoor workers, who play the largest role in HVD, can encourage small behavioural changes to decrease the adverse effects of this process.

Selenium-biofortified pollen from Olea europaea L. retains germination capacity under heat stress and oxidative imbalance

Selenium-biofortified pollen from Olea europaea L. retains germination capacity under heat stress and oxidative imbalance

Annual Garden Rocket and Radish as Microgreens: Seed Germination Response to Thermal and Salt Stress

Temperature and salinity level of the imbibition medium play a crucial role in regulating seed germination and seedling emergence, which is also true in microgreen production, where temperature and water potential may influence seed germination alone and/or in combination. In this study, the effects of different temperatures and water potentials in NaCl, alone or in combination, upon germination and early radicle growth, were assessed in two species for microgreen production (Eruca sativa-rocket, and Raphanus sativus-radish). Seeds were germinated at eight constant temperatures (from 5 to 35 °C) and five water potentials (ψ) in NaCl (from 0 to −1.2 MPa). Final germination percentage (FGP) was maximized at 15–20 °C in rocket, and at 20–25 °C in radish. As the temperature increased or decreased, germination was reduced and became less uniform, to a greater extent, at suboptimal temperatures in both species. Across water potentials, FGP values exceeding 50% at the highest temperature in radish indicated a greater tolerance than rocket to supraoptimal temperatures during germination. Across temperatures, FGP and germination speed in both species were progressively depressed as the water potential decreased. The adverse effects of NaCl progressively increased as the temperature moved away from its optimal value. Overall, rocket seeds were able to germinate well (>80%) at 20 °C at salinity levels down to −0.9 MPa, while radish seeds were able to germinate well (≥90%) at 25 °C at salinity levels down to −0.9 MPa. Salt stress tolerance was higher in rocket and radish at low and high temperatures, respectively. Both thermal time and hydrotime requirements were higher in radish because its seeds took longer to germinate. Thermal time and hydrotime may help to predict the germination capacity and time, once the temperature or water potential of the imbibition substrate is known. The findings of this study have important implications for the large-scale industrial production of microgreens.

Germination Dynamics of Crateva adansonii D.C. and Sarcocephalus latifolius (Smith) Buce: Key Forest Trees of Burkina Faso

Crateva adansonii D.C. (Capparaceae) and Sarcocephalus latifolius (Smith) Buce (Rubiaceae) are two African tree species widely known as multipurpose species for rural populations. Unfortunately, these species are threatened in their natural stands by inappropriate management practices. In addition, their germination capacities are poor in their natural stands Our hypothesis is that the seeds of both species are capable of germination under certain conditions of temperature, light and germination medium. This work aims to study the germination capacity of these species under different conditions. Germination tests were carried out in the laboratory and in the field. 400 seeds of C. adansonii were used in five treatments and 960 seeds of S. latifolius in six treatments. Blotting papers and soil were used as media. Seeds were germinated under different temperature and light conditions over a period of 30 days. A seed was germinated when part of the embryo appeared. The maximum germination rate was obtained after 28 days for C. adansonii and 22 days for S. latifolius. The results show that the best germination rates of C. adansonii (85%) and S. latifolius (82%) are obtained when the seeds are exposed to white light for 12 hours, alternating with 12 hours of darkness. For generative propagation of these plants, it is recommended to germinate the seeds under optimal conditions and then to plant them instead of sowing them in the field.

Production Potentials of Quality Tree Seeds from Orchards and Plantations in Tanzania

The availability of large quantities and high-quality planting materials is essential for the sustainability of tree planting and quality forest products. Since 1950, many countries in Africa have established several seed sources of genetically improved tree species. However, there is insufficient information on production potential, both in terms of quality and quantity of tree seeds from the established orchards and plantations, particularly in Tanzania. We assessed and compared seed production potential and germination capacity of four young (8–14 years) and mature (15–48 years) stands of plantations and seed orchards of Tectona grandis and Pinus patula located in different agro-climatic areas of Tanzania. Each seed source, 16 plots measuring 100 m 100 m, were randomly selected. Each plot, seeds were collected from 30 trees bearing seeds and possessing good characteristics. Results showed that matured stands of T. grandis and patula produced significantly heavier seeds with yields of 51.4 kg ha-1 and 926.1 kg ha-1, respectively, compared to young stands, which produced 28.3 kg ha-1 and 782.6 kg ha-1, respectively. The weight of seeds in orchards was significantly lighter (17.2 kg ha-1) than in plantations (62.5 kg ha-1) for P. patola. In contrast, for T. grandis, the weight of seeds in orchards was heavier (911.8 kg ha-1) than in plantations (796.9 kg ha-1). Seeds from P. patula and T. grandis orchards had significantly higher quality, with germination capacities of 64.5% and 25%, respectively, compared to seeds from plantations, with germination capacities of 51% and 23.2%, respectively. Trees in seed orchards perform better than those in plantations due to superior genetics, controlled breeding, optimal spacing, intensive management, and optimized growing conditions. Germination capacity of P. patula and T. grandis seeds collected from young seed orchards and plantation seed sources was significantly higher than that of mature seed orchards and plantation seed sources.

Qualitative vs. quantitative morphology of seeds of an Italian critically endangered Hawkweed as predictor of germination capacity

Seed phenotyping through non-destructive imaging techniques may be vital for obtaining seed quality and viability information, aiding in plant species conservation and de-extinction. We used X-ray microtomography followed by a germination test on a seed sample of the rare and threatened Hieracium australe subsp. australe to compare qualitative and quantitative morphological traits as predictors of germination capacity. Five qualitative classes based on embryo structure integrity were assigned; eighteen morphometric parameters were defined via 3D image analysis examining outer seed shape and internal embryo structure; “germinated,” “ungerminated” and “dead” outcomes were recorded. The multinomial logistic model applied to the qualitative classes allowed to correctly classify 72.7% of “germinated” seeds but failed to predict “ungerminated” and “dead” seeds. Univariate analysis of morphometric parameters showed no significant differences in mean values among the three germination outcomes. However, unsuccessful germination was associated with smaller seed size, increased pericarp thickness, and higher radicle-to-seed length ratio. Multivariate discriminant analysis of eleven uncorrelated morphometric parameters highlighted "mean embryo-pericarp distance" as indicative of germination capacity specific to Hieracium, while "embryo “porosity" and “embryo surface/volume ratio” were associated with “dead” seeds obtaining an overall correct classification of 72.7% of the “germinated” seeds and 70.0% of the “dead” ones.

Contribution to the Identification and Study of the Pathogenicity of Bacteria Responsible for Cassava Root Rot in Côte d'Ivoire Production Zones

Background and Objective: Cassava is an important crop for the Ivorian population. However, yields are relatively low. This low productivity is due to cassava root rots, which are sometimes caused by bacteria. The general objective was to identify the main bacterial diseases responsible for cassava tuberous root rot in production areas in Côte d'Ivoire. Specifically, to identify pathogenic bacteria and then to assess the pathogenicity of the bacterial strains isolated. Material and Methods: The plant material consisted of tuberous cassava roots affected by rot. Decay-causing bacteria were isolated on YPGA (Yeast extract Peptone Glucose Agar) culture medium. Strain identification was carried out using the API 20 E and 20NE gallery. Tuberous cassava roots were perforated with a punch and inoculated with bacterial inoculum calibrated to an optical density of 0.2 at a wavelength of 600 nm, corresponding to 108. Results: 174 strains were isolated. The highest proportions of strains were obtained in the localities of Ferké and Man, with 19 and 26% respectively. The bacterial species identified were Roualtella planticola, Serratia liquefaciens, Serratia marcescens, Burkholderia cepacia, Chromobacterium violaceum, Erwinia spp, Enterobacter cloacae, Klebseilla pneumoniae spp ozaenae and Raoutellia ornithinolytica. The Erwinia species was the most frequent in five localities, with proportions of 100 and 71.4% respectively in Agboville and Yamoussoukro. Results showed that 91.5% of bacterial strains tested caused rot (soft or dry). On the other hand, 52.4% of bacterial strains induced dry rot and around 39% induced soft rot. Conclusion: Various bacterial species were identified in this study. In addition, these species vary in their germinative capacity.

Ex vitro propagation and phytochemical analysis of Serapias vomeracea (Burm.f.) Briq.: contribution to the conservation of Orchidaceae species

Aim of study: The primary objective of this study was to investigate the seed germination and antioxidant propertiesof Serapias vomeracea (Burm.f.) Briq. Specifically, the aims of the research were to explore the influence of the Tulasnellaceae spp, fungal isolate SVL-30 (MK250656), on germination and seedling development, compare antioxidant activity to that of ascorbic acid, analyse the phytochemical composition, and identify bioactive compounds present in the methanol extract. Area of study: University of Ondokuz Mayıs, Faculty of Sciences, Department of Biology, Samsun, Türkiye. Materials and methods: Pots containing S. vomeracea and SVL-30 fungus, along with a control group without fungus, were utilized for the experiment. The impact of the fungus on germination stages and seedling development was assessed. Antioxidant analysis involved determining phenolic and flavonoid content, as well as DPPH radical scavenging activity (IC50: 2.09 mg/mL). Chlorophyll and carotenoid contents were measured to evaluate the physiological health of the plant. GC-MS analysis was employed to identify 19 bioactive compounds present in the methanol extract. Main results: The fungus significantly stimulated germination, with 83.02% of seeds germinating, and 52.66%progressing to the seedling stage. Antioxidant analysis revealed substantial phenolic and flavonoid content in S. vomeracea seedlings, demonstrating potent antioxidant properties comparable to ascorbic acid. Chlorophyll and carotenoid contents emphasized the balanced and healthy physiology of the plant. GC-MS analysis identified 19 bioactive compounds in the methanol extract, highlighting the potential bioactivity of S. vomeracea. Research highlights: This study furnishes valuable information on the germination, phytochemical composition, and antioxidant capacity of S. vomeracea seedlings. The research underscores the potential bioactivity of the plant, substantiated by the identification of bioactive compounds. The findings lay the groundwork for further exploration of the potential health benefits of S. vomeracea. A strategic shift towards studies emphasizing sustainable agricultural practices is recommended, aiming to balance both conservation and utilization objectives.

Effects of water soaking pretreatment and season on the germination parameters of Terminalia ivorensis A. Chev. seeds in Kisangani, Democratic Republic of Congo

Since environmental concerns related to climate change and biodiversity erosion emerged, forest plantations have returned to the heart of international debates. Today's challenge is finding species and planting techniques that increase carbon sequestration and meet the many needs for goods and services from trees. This study aimed to determine the effects of soaking seeds in water, substrate and season on the germination parameters of Terminalia ivorensis A. Chev. seeds in the eco-climatic conditions of Kisangani. The effects of pretreatment, substrate and season were tested to do this. Two treatments (soaking seeds and no soaking) and three substrates (household waste, forest compost and pig droppings) were tested in the dry and rainy seasons. At the end of this experiment, it turns out that the rate of emergence or germination capacity, the germination energy and the germination speed do not vary according to pretreatment and substrate. Only the season significantly influences the emergence rate and the seeds' germination energy. The germination capacity and energy are better in the rainy than the dry season. These results are only a first contribution to understanding factors favouring the use of T. ivorensis in plantations in Kisangani. However, they highlight the need to test longer soaking times and the substrate's effects on seedlings' early growth.

Estimates of genetic variability and interplay of germination and seedling traits conferring salinity tolerance in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

This study estimates genetic variability and correlations among germination and seedling traits conferring salinity tolerance in rice accessions. Five rice accessions were screened under salinity levels of 0, 50, 100, and 200 mM NaCl in a controlled laboratory setting. Traits such as germination energy, capacity, shoot and root length, and biomass were measured. Data were analyzed for variance and correlations to assess variability and trait relationships. Significant genetic variability was found among accessions for all traits. Germination energy showed the highest coefficient of variation (CV) at 22.29% under control conditions, while fresh shoot weight had the highest CV (34.35%) under 200 mM salinity. Accessions ACC2 and ACC5 consistently demonstrated higher performance in germination energy (23.33 to 53.33% and 10.00 to 41.67%), germination capacity (40.00 to 60.00% and 28.33 to 46.67%), and shoot length (0.67 to 2.97 cm and 0.40 to 3.93 cm) under various salinity stress levels. ACC1, ACC3, and ACC4 showed more variability but maintained some consistency in specific traits, with ACC4 generally showing lower performance across most traits. Genetic parameter estimates indicated high heritability (˃60%) for all traits, with the highest in germination capacity (96.88%). High genetic advance (GAM) was observed for all traits (˃20%), with germination energy showing the highest (107.00%). Traits with high heritability and genetic advance, such as germination energy, germination capacity, and root length, suggest strong genetic control and potential for improvement through selective breeding. Significant correlations were found between germination energy and capacity (r= 0.89 to 0.96) and between shoot length and leaf length (r= 0.92) under stress conditions. Stress tolerance indices identified accessions ACC2 and ACC5 as the most tolerant, with ACC1 showing consistent performance across traits. This study underscores the importance of identifying resilient traits and accessions to enhance salinity tolerance in rice, contributing to improved productivity in saline-affected regions.

Effect of berry maturity stages on the germination and protein constituents of African nightshade (Solanum scabrum) seeds.

African nightshade (Solanum scabrum) is a vegetable of great importance in several African countries. Production by seed is constrained by limited access to high quality seed, leaving farmers unable to meet the growing demand. The aim of this study was to investigate effects of berry maturity stages (mature green and purple) on germination and protein components of African nightshade seeds. Nine accessions were used for the germination assays and three selected for the proteomics. The seeds harvested at the purple ripe stage showed a higher germination percentage than seeds harvested at the mature green stage. Seeds of three accessions, which showed different germination responses depending on maturity, were subjected to gel-based proteome comparison followed by mass spectrometry. Analysis revealed a total of 563 spots, of which 19-23% were differentially abundant between the two harvest times. This is the first study to utilise proteomics in African nightshade. Four types of seed storage proteins were identified. Identified proteins were associated with seed maturation, indicating more advanced maturation stages in accessions with higher germination capacity. In addition, a reference proteome map of S. scabrum was created using GelMap platform ( www.gelmap.de ). Colour change of African nightshade berries seems to be a suitable indicator for seed maturity.

Effect of Fruit Load on Seed Quality of Cowpea Varieties [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. (Fabaceae)

Background: The development of cowpea cultivation needs to be given priority because, in developing countries, cowpeas make up for many protein deficiencies. Producing quality seeds of this legume would be an essential objective if food security is to be achieved. This study aimed to establish the appropriate fruit load for optimum production of quality cowpea seed. Methods: To achieve this, the impact of five different fruit loads (10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 pods per plant) on the yield of four cowpea varieties (KVx745-11P (V1), KVx775-33-2G (Tiligré) (V2), Gourgou (V3) and KVx780-6 (V4)) was assessed. The seeds’ germination capacity and the seedlings’ vigor were then assessed for each of the four varieties. Result: Findings showed that seed length, width, thickness and weight changed significantly with increasing load in all varieties. The shortest time to emergence was recorded in the V1 variety for seeds from fruit loads of 20, 30, 40 and 50 pods per plant. For the ten pods per plant fruit load, the shortest emergence time was achieved with the V4 variety. The varieties V1, V2 and V4 studied produced excellent agronomic quality seeds when the pod was harvested with a load of 10 pods per plant. The fruit load significantly affected the seed quality and yield across all four varieties. Seeds from the minor C10 load for varieties V1, V2 and V4 and C20 for variety V3 exhibit high seedling vigour.

Silencing of SbPPC3 reduces the germination capacity in salinity and decreases the nutritional value of sorghum seeds.

Silencing of SbPPC3 reduces the germination capacity in salinity and decreases the nutritional value of sorghum seeds.

PHYSIOLOGICAL AND SEED HEALTH TESTING OF RICE SEED (ORYZA SATIVA L.) GROWN IN THE DALOA AREA (COTE DIVOIRE)

A survey was realized during the period of June, 2021 to August, 2022 in Daloa, Cote dIvoire to understand the rice cultivation practices. Then rice seed samples were collected to perform their health and quality, Dry inspection and blotter tests. Eight varieties of rice were collected, of which Wita 9, BkeAmlre and C15 are mainly grown under both rainfed and irrigated lowland. The water content of the rice seed samples collected fluctuated between 9 and 10 % showing that the farmers have a good command of post-harvest activities. the inert matter up to 56% and weed seeds in a mixture up to 9.47 % were found in rice seed samples collected. Although, these seeds showed good germination capacity with an average rate of 90%, among the seedlings having emerged, some presented color anomalies of the stem, collar and cotyledons ranging from 3 to 46%. The rotten grains (1.25 - 11%) invaded by molds and hard grains that remained intact (0.65 - 4%) throughout the test were found. Ten seed-borne fungi were detected from these seed samples. Some of the identified fungi could be associated with seedling abnormalities and grain rots during the germination.

Evaluation of Ferula assa-foetida L. accessions under different temperature regimes to overcome seed dormancy and different media mixtures to promote seedling growth

Ferula assa-foetida L., a perennial crop of the Apiaceae family, has internal physical seed dormancy that inhibits its germination ability. Hence, to improve germination capacity and overcome seed dormancy, the present study was conducted using six accessions for assessing seed viability using 1% Tetrazolium test three times every 6 months and grown under three different temperature treatments (5, 15, and 25 °C) during 2018–19 and 2019–20. These accessions were also grown under six different potting mixtures to optimize the best media for its survivability under field conditions. Results from the tetrazolium test indicated an average seed viability of 73.03% and showed an ∼5% reduction during 2018–20. From germination tests, a chilling treatment of 5 °C was found most effective for breaking dormancy. Besides, the seedlings grown under different potting mixtures showed that media mixtures in the combination of soil, sand, farmyard manure, and cocopeat were most appropriate for better germination stand. However, further studies are required to explain the agro-practices to cultivate this endangered plant at field capacity. It was also observed that genotypes EC966538 and EC968470 were best performers for overall germination as well as seedling survival parameters and could be used as base populations in future selection and improvement breeding programs.

Seed Storage Potentiation Under Forced Ageing Condition

Storing of seeds is a serious problem in tropical region like Bankura and surrounding areas in West Bengal state of India where high temperature and high relative humidity greatly accelerate seed ageing. Chickpeas are a remarkable source of proteins and carbohydrates. It is also the rich supply of dietary fibre, essential amino acids and vitamins etc. It is also having no cholesterol which making them an acceptable dietary choice for individuals. The potential health benefits associated with chickpeas placed them as one of the most nutrient-dense grain legume for human consumption. Though the seeds having a lot of ethnomedicinal values but it lost viability in a quicker rate under Indian agro-climatic ambient storage condition. Pretreatment of chickpea (<i>Cicer arietinum </i>L.) seeds with aqueous solution of CCC (chlorocholine chloride, 200 μg ml<sup>-1</sup>) for 4 hours before forced ageing treatment (100% RH and 32±2°C) for different incubations (0 to 40 days) reduced the loss of germination and field emergence capacity. The chemical also significantly arrested profuse reduction of protein as well as ageing-induced stimulation of the activity of amylase enzyme in seed during ageing. The treatments also significantly arrested profuse reduction of protein as well as ageing-induced stimulation of the activity of amylase in seed during ageing. The effect of CCC on seed potentiation is established in this study.

Influence of geographical provenance, biostimulatory treatments and their interaction on the seed germination of Quercus robur L.

The hereby research aimed to identify the influence of several biostimulants on the germination capacity of pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.), with the goal of enhancing the germination process, which is fundamental for the conservation and development of this ecologically and economically important species. Biological materials were collected from four different geographical provenances in Romania: Prejmer (Brașov), Racășa (Maramureș), Căpâlna (Alba), and Orăștie (Hunedoara). The main phenotypic characteristics of the seeds were analyzed, including length, diameter, and weight. Germination capacity was assessed using different biostimulants, compared with untreated seeds as a control. Results showed significant differences between the investigated provenances regarding morphological traits of seeds, respectively, seed length, diameter, and weight. Additionally, significant differences in germination capacity were noticed among the applied treatments and studied provenances. The treatment with Atonik biostimulant illustrated the best results within all provenances, followed by Nitrozym and Cropmax. The study offers useful information into enhancing the germination capacity of Q. robur, highlighting the significance of provenance and stimulation treatments for effective germination, significant for the conservation and sustainable management of this species.

Development of oat malt production technology using plasma-chemically activated aqueous solutions

The object of the study was oat malt production. The result of the presented study is the development of a technology for gluten-free oat malt production using cold plasma-treated technological solutions. The material for the study was oat grain. The main technological task is to obtain high-quality oat malt, which, in turn, will be suitable for producing gluten-free beverages and highly nutritious foods. The expediency of using cold plasma-treated aqueous solutions as an activator of the oat malting process and an effective disinfectant of the technological process and the finished product (oat malt) was experimentally proved. It was confirmed that using cold plasma-treated aqueous solutions can accelerate the oat germination process: the germination energy increased by 6–14 %; germination capacity by 2–10 %. The moisture content of oats when moistened increases by 6–37 %. Analysis of the amylolytic enzymatic activity showed a dynamic increase of 17.6 %. The result was the breakdown of carbohydrates. Thus, the amount of starch decreased by 2.4 %, fiber did not undergo significant changes, and the content of simple sugars increased by 2.3 %. The proteolytic activity of oat malt increased by 18.1 %. An increase in the amount of amino acids in the experimental samples was noted. The total amount of amino acids is 793 mg/100 g of product higher than in the control (i.e. by 3 %). There was also an increase in the content of vitamins B (B1, B2), as well as vitamin C, the content of which increased by 5.6 %. Disinfecting properties of cold plasma-treated aqueous solutions in relation to oat malt were noted. The innovative technology of oat malt production can be implemented in the industrial production of gluten-free malts for the brewing industry and for producing gluten-free foods.

Radio frequency inactivation of Bacillus cereus and natural microbiota in brown rice: Evaluation of inactivation kinetics and germination capacity

Brown rice and its sprout are prone to be contaminated by foodborne pathogens, resulting in potential safety issues. Effective pasteurization methods rely on the thermal death kinetics of the targeted microorganisms and gemination rate of brown rice. This study investigated the influence of five temperature and four moisture content (MC) levels on inactivation kinetics of Bacillus cereus or native microbiota and germination capacity changes of brown rice by radio frequency (RF) heating using first-order, Weibull and Biphasic models. Results showed that increasing MC and treatment temperature greatly enhanced the inactivation of B. cereus but excessive temperature (>75 °C) impaired seed physiology and reduced germination capacity of brown rice. The selected RF treatment (85 °C for 20 min and 80 °C for 30 min for samples with 14.2 % w.b., 75 °C for 30 min, 80 °C for 20 min, and 85 °C for 5 min for samples with 16.2 % w.b.) could reduce the populations of B. cereus by approximately 4.0 log CFU/g, whereas the reductions in total bacteria, yeasts and molds were less than 3.0 log CFU/g. Compared with the first-order linear model and Biphasic model, Weibull model provided the better fitted inactivation kinetics with superior statistical values (R2: 0.944–0.999; RMSE: 0.002–0.879) and validation indices (accuracy factor: 1.003–1.034; bias factor: 0.991–1.025) at all MCs and temperatures. The established Weibull model may offer a reliable method for fitting the inactivation kinetics of B. cereus in brown rice and would help the grain industry to develop effective RF pasteurization protocols.