Optimizing the boron seed coating treatments for improving the germination and early seedling growth of fine grain rice

• Published in: International journal of agriculture and biology 2012-01, Vol.14 (3), p.453-456
• Main Authors: Atique-ur-Rehman (University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (Pakistan). Dept. of Agronomy), Farooq, M. (University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (Pakistan). Dept. of Agronomy), Nawaz, A. (University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (Pakistan). Dept. of Agronomy), Iqbal, S, Rehman, A
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: APPLICATION RATES; BORON; GERMINATION; GROWTH; ORYZA SATIVA; PLANT ESTABLISHMENT; SEED TREATMENT; SEEDLINGS; VARIETIES
• ISSN: 1560-8530; 1814-9596

Boron (B) is an essential micronutrient for rice growth and development. This experiment was conducted to explore the potential of seed coating with B for improving the germination and early seedling growth of fine grain rice. Seeds of two fine grain aromatic rice cultivars viz. Super Basmati and Shaheen Basmati were coated with B at 1.0, 1.5, 2, 2.5 and 3.0 g B per kg seed; while seeds without coating were taken as control. Boron seed coating with 1-2 g B per kg seed improved the germination energy, germination index and final germination percentage in both the tested cultivars. None of seed coating treatments improve the radicle length and leaf score; however plumule length, number of secondary roots and seedling fresh and dry weights were improved by seed coating with 2 g B per kg seed in both cultivars. Increasing B concentration beyond 2 g B per kg seed was toxic for seeds of both cultivars. In conclusion, rice seeds may be coated with B at 2 g B per kg seed to improve the germination and early seedling growth of fine grain aromatic rice.