Storability Evaluation of Primed Seeds of Rice (Oryza sativa) cv.PMK-4

Abstract

The highest seed vigour normally established during the physiological maturity and then successively declined or deterioration sequentially occurred depending on storage conditions and chemical component of the seeds. Vigour deterioration might be alleviated to some extent by priming techniques. Biopriming, a seed treatment system that integrates the biological and physiological aspects of enhancing growth, disease control and increase in yield, involves coating the seed with biological agents and incubating the seed under warm, moist conditions. In the present study, storage studies were conducted to compare two different methods of priming viz., hydropriming and biopriming with liquid formulation of biocontrol agent Pseudomonas fluorescens @ 20% with accomplished for 18hrs soaking durations. The unprimed seeds act as control. The storage studies were conducted for six months after imposing the priming treatment. The results revealed that germination percentage, seedling length and vigour index of primed seeds superior to control seeds. Seeds bioprimed with Pseudomonas fluorescens has free from insect and pathogen attack throughout the storage period. Among the protocols studied, biopriming with Pseudomonas fluorescens @ 20 % for rice cv.PMK 4 was established as best method of priming treatment capable of improving seed vigour as well as viability.