Seed quality of rice cultivars stored in different environments

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate dormancy and physiological quality of seeds of rice cultivars during storage in different environments. After harvesting, the seeds of three rice cultivars (Seleta, Curinga and Relâmpago) were dried in the sun, to reach moisture content at around 13%. Then, they were packed in paper and stored in four environments: 5 ± 2 ºC / 70 ± 5% RH, 12 ± 2 ºC / 70 ± 5% RH, 18 ± 2 ºC / 65 ± 5% RH and in uncontrolled condition of temperature and relative humidity (natural). Physiological quality was evaluated at the beginning and at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months of storage by germination test, electrical conductivity, accelerated aging and sand emergence. The experiment was conducted in split plots in a completely randomized design with three replications. Environmental factor was applied in the plots, cultivars in the subplots and storage period in subplots. Cultivar Seleta showed higher dormancy, which was surpassed during storage regardless of environment conservation. In general, seeds stored in natural environment showed lower physiological quality. Only the seeds of cultivar Seleta, regardless of the environment, maintained germination above the minimum required for commercialization until six months of storage.