Standardization of seed hydro-priming time for rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Hydro-priming times were standardized for seed invigoration in rice (Oryza sativa L.) by evaluating the germination and seedling vigour. The seeds were soaked for 8, 16, 24, 32, 40, 48, 56, 64 and 72 hours each in aerated tap water. All the seed treatments resulted in enhancement of the seed germination at both first and final count, and seedling vigour with respect to seedling length, fresh and dry weight of seedling, vigour index (I&II), relative growth index (RGI) and mean daily germination (MDG) for rice except seeds hydro-priming for 64 and 72 hours. The seed germination and seedling vigour increased as the hydro-priming time increased up to 48 hours. The maximum seed vigour enhancement was achieved with hydro-primed for 48 hours, followed by that of 40 hours in all the parameters studied.