Effect of Seed Treatments and Hermetic Storage on Storability of Combine Harvested Rice (ADT 54) at Different Maturity Stages

Abstract

Rice variety ADT 54 was harvested using a combine harvester at various maturity stages, including physiological maturity, two days after, four days after, and six days after physiological maturity. The seeds were treated with a water-soluble polymer at a rate of 4 mL + 12 mL water per kg and Vithai Amirtham at 25 mL per kg of seed. They were compared with untreated control seeds and stored in super grain bags and gunny bags under ambient condition (300C & 62%RH). Seed quality parameters such as germination, seedling vigour, electrical conductivity, pathogen and insect infestation were assessed at monthly intervals up to 12 months. Results showed that seeds harvested at physiological maturity had the highest germination rates, longer root and shoot lengths, increased dry matter production, higher seedling vigour index and dehydrogenase activity, lower pathogen incidence and insect infestation. Seeds treated with the water-soluble polymer showed improved germination, root and shoot length, and vigour index compared to untreated seeds in both super grain bags and gunny bags. Seeds treated with the water-soluble polymer and stored in super grain bags had increased germination (87%) and vigour index (2722) at physiological maturity compared to six days after physiological maturity (84%) and (2219) respectively. The study concluded that ADT 54 rice seed crop harvested at physiological maturity, treated with a water-soluble polymer, and stored in super grain bags maintained seed quality above minimum certification standards for up to 12 months.