Accelerated aging predicts the emergence of rice seedlings in the field

Abstract

Selecting the most appropriate vigor test for rice to predict seedling emergence remains a challenge. This is mainly attributed to the diversity of available tests that evaluate vigor; however, there is a critical need for tests that can show a high correlation with field emergence. Thus, this study aimed to determine which vigor tests are the most efficient in predicting the emergence of rice seedlings, to facilitate correct selection for quality control analyses and pre-sowing for rice seed commercialization. Across two growing seasons, 2016/17 and 2017/18, different seed lots of ‘SCS122 Miura’ rice were subjected to vigor evaluations including germination test, electrical conductivity, cold test, low temperature germination, accelerated aging, root and shoot length, seedling dry weight, emergence speed, and emergence speed index, and greenhouse and field emergence tests. A completely randomized design with four replicates was used for the experiments. All statistical analyses were performed using R software. The germination rate for ‘SCS122 Miura’ seed lots in both growing seasons was greater than 80%. In both growing seasons, unlike the similar results obtained for field emergence, in the laboratory tests, differences were observed between these same seed lots. Electrical conductivity and emergence speed showed a negative correlation with greenhouse and field emergence. The vigor tests for accelerated aging, emergence speed, and dry weight are more efficient in predicting the emergence of rice seedlings. Among the tested methods, accelerated aging (41 °C for 120 h) is one of the most efficient for predicting the emergence of rice seedlings and the best option for laboratory analysis of quality control and pre-sowing owing to its practicality and time required for execution.