Biochemical Changes in Rice (Oryza sativa L.) During Low Temperature Germination Stress

Low temperature germination stress limits growth and productivity of summer (Boro) rice. Response to low temperature stress during germination at biochemical level was studied in rice using tolerant and susceptible genotypes. Biochemical parameters related to abiotic stress tolerance were monitored in germinating rice seeds under cold stress to identify suitable biochemical markers associated with stress tolerance. Increase in protein content, proline content, reactive oxygen detoxification and phenolics accumulation was observed under stress. These parameters exhibited high correlation with germination reduction in tolerant and susceptible genotypes. Cold tolerant genotypes exhibited lower accumulation of phenolics compared to susceptible genotypes. This parameter may be used as a suitable biochemical marker for screening low temperature germination stress tolerance in rice.