Exposure time-dependent seed priming of Oryza sativa L. var. Nerica – impact on germinability and germination characteristics

Abstract

Enhancing rice production efficiency is paramount, given rising global demand and finite agricultural land. This 
research utilized a factorial experimental design to comprehensively assess how two plant hormones, gibberellic acid 
(GA3) and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), along with multiple priming durations, influence Oryza sativa seed 
germination and subsequent seedling vigor. Rice seeds were exposed to a range of treatments: soaking in 150 ppm 
solutions of GA3 and IAA for intervals spanning 30 seconds, 1 hour, 3 hours, 6 hours, or 12 hours respectively. A 
control group, immersed in distilled water, provided a baseline for comparison. Data encompassing germination rate, 
seedling vigor, and other key parameters were gathered and rigorously analyzed. The study unequivocally 
demonstrates that both IAA and GA3 notably improved both germination and seedling vigor when compared to the 
untreated control. Optimal performance was achieved with specific treatments: IAA priming for three hours resulted 
in an impressive 85.7% germination and a seedling vigor index of 421.6, while GA3 priming for a mere 30 seconds 
delivered 80.2% germination and an even higher seedling vigor index of 547.5. These findings powerfully indicate 
that employing hormone priming, particularly with IAA and GA3, can effectively boost rice germination, thereby 
presenting a viable strategy to potentially enhance crop yields.