Standardization of Accelerated Ageing Duration for Screening of Rice Genotypes for Seed Longevity.

Abstract

Accelerated ageing test has good correlation to field emergence and storage potential of the seed. In this regard, an attempt was made to standardize accelerated ageing duration for screening rice genotypes for seed longevity. Fresh seeds of 10 rice genotypes viz., AC 35534, BR 2655, IET 16348, Jaya, KMP 175, PS 370, Rasi, Samrat, Tella hamsa and Vanaprava were subjected to accelerated ageing for 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 days at 40±10C and 100% relative humidity. Seeds of ten genotyes undergone accelerated ageing were showed significant variation in ability to germinate and produce vigorous seedlings. Seed germination per cent in majority of the genotyes tested viz. AC 35534, KMP 175, PS 370, Samrat, Tella hamsa and Vanaprava, were reduced to around 50 per cent of the initial by 20 days of accelerated ageing whereas per cent reduction in seed germination of other genotyes viz., BR 2655, IET 16348, Jaya and Rasi were crossed 40% by 20 days of accelerated ageing and 60% by 25 days of accelerated ageing. Hence, 20 days of accelerated ageing is considered as optimum duration of ageing for screening the genotypes for seed longevity in Rice.