Effects of hydropriming on the germination of Oryza sativa L. NSIC Rc 216 (rice) under sodium chloride (NaCl) stress

C-SAR MART P. AGUIRRE, JOECILE FAITH C. MONANA, and MICHAEL PATRICK M. PADERNAL

Philippine Science High School Western Visayas Campus – Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PSHSWVC), Brgy. Bito-on, Jaro, Iloilo City 5000, Philippines

Abstract

Elevated salt concentration can be toxic to plant development. Hydropriming can overcome this by increasing the seeds’ stress tolerance. This study determined the effects of hydropriming on the germination of Oryza sativa L. var. NSIC Rc 216, a widely used rice variety in the Philippines, subjected to sodium chloride stress. Seeds were hydroprimed for 12, 24, or 48 hours with unprimed rice seeds as control. Seeds were then allowed to germinate for seven days and germination parameters were recorded. Significant differences were recorded with the germination energy percentage (GEP) and speed of germination means (SG). The 48-hour treatment had significantly higher GEP and SG means when compared to the control set-up; however, no significant differences were recorded with the final germination percentage (FGP) and seedling vigor index (SVI). In conclusion, hydropriming had effects on the germination rate of rice under salt stress but not with its overall germination performance.

Keywords: Oryza sativa L., hydropriming, seedling vigor index, sodium chloride, salt stress

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