Influence of Maturity Stage, Seed Treatment, and Storage Containers on the Storability of Combine-Harvested Rice (Oryza sativa L. cv. CO (R) 50)

Abstract

The current research aimed to investigate the impact of different maturity stages on the moisture content and storability of the combine-harvested rice variety CO (R) 50. Seeds were harvested at various stages of maturity - physiological maturity, two days after, four days after, and six days after physiological maturity. The seeds were treated with water-soluble polymer at a rate of 4 ml + 12 ml water per kg of seed, as well as vithai amirtham at 25 ml per kg of seed, and compared to untreated control seeds. The treated seeds were stored in both super grain and gunny bag containers under ambient conditions, along with the control. Quality parameters were initially assessed and then monitored at monthly intervals for 12 months to evaluate seed storability. Results showed that seeds harvested at physiological maturity exhibited the highest germination (88%), longer root(21.8cm) and shoot lengths(12.5cm), increased dry matter production (0.144g/10 seedling), superior seedling vigour index (3039), reduced pathogen incidence (4.6%), and lower seed leachates(0.124dSm-1). Seeds stored in super grain bags demonstrated higher germination rates, seedling vigour index, and lower pathogen incidence and seed leachates, regardless of variety or treatment. The study concluded that the CO (R) 50 rice variety harvested at physiological maturity (135 days), coated with water-soluble polymer at a rate of 4 ml + 12 ml water per kg of seed, and stored in a super grain bag-maintained seed quality above minimum certification standards for up to 12 months.