ASSESSMENT OF SEED DORMANCY DURATION

AND BREAKING METHODS IN RICE GENOTYPES

(Oryza sativa L.)

By

A. SARITHA
B.Sc. (Ag.)

THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE

ACHARYA N.G. RANGA AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY
IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS
FOR THE AWARD OF THE DEGREE OF

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN AGRICULTURE

IN SEED SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

DEPARTMENT OF SEED SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE
ACHARYA N.G. RANGA AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY
RAJENDRANAGAR, HYDERABAD – 500 030

FEBRUARY, 2004
 CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that the thesis entitled “ASSESSMENT OF SEED

DORMANCY DURATION AND BREAKING METHODS IN RICE
GENOTYPES (Oryza sativa L.)” submitted in partial fulfilment of the
requirements for the degree of MASTER OF SCIENCE IN
AGRICULTURE of the Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University,
Hyderabad is a record of the bonafide research work carried out by
Ms. A. SARITHA under our guidance and supervision. The subject of the
thesis has been approved by the Student’s Advisory Committee.

No part of the thesis has been submitted for any other degree or
diploma. The published part has been fully acknowledged. All the assistance
and help received during the course of the investigations have been duly
acknowledged by the author of the thesis.

Date : (Dr. N. MANOHAR REDDY)

Place : Chairman of the Advisory Committee

Thesis approved by the Student Advisory Committee.

Chairman : Dr. N. MANOHAR REDDY

Senior Scientist (Seed Production),
Dept. of Seed Science and Technology, NSP,
Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University,
Rajendranagar, Hyderabad – 30.

Member : Mr. K. KESHAVULU

Scientist (Seed Technology)
Dept. of Seed Science and Technology, NSP,
Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University,
Rajendranagar, Hyderabad – 30.

Member : Dr. K. RADHIKA

Scientist (Plant Breeding)
Dept. of Seed Science and Technology, NSP,
Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University,
Rajendranagar, Hyderabad – 30.

Member : Dr. B. S. KULKARNI

Professor and Head,
Department of Statistics & Mathematics,
Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University,
Rajendranagar, Hyderabad – 30.
 DECLARATION

I, A. SARITHA, hereby declare that the thesis entitled

“ASSESSMENT OF SEED DORMANCY DURATION AND

BREAKING METHODS IN RICE GENOTYPES (Oryza sativa L.)”

submitted to Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University for the

Degree of MASTER OF SCIENCE IN AGRICULTURE is a result of

original research work done by me. I also declare that the thesis or any

part thereof has not been published earlier elsewhere in any manner.

Date :

Place : (A. SARITHA)

 CERTIFICATE

Ms. A. SARITHA has satisfactorily prosecuted the course of

research and that the thesis entitled “ASSESSMENT OF SEED

DORMANCY DURATION AND BREAKING METHODS IN

RICE GENOTYPES (Oryza sativa L.)” submitted is the result of

original research work and is of sufficiently high standard to warrant its

presentation to the examination. I also certify that the thesis or part

thereof has not been previously submitted by her for a degree of any

University.

Date : (Dr. N. MANOHAR REDDY)

Place : Major Advisor
 LIST OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER TITLE PAGE

NUMBER

I INTRODUCTION

II REVIEW OF LITERATURE

III MATERIALS AND METHODS

IV RESULTS

V DISCUSSION

VI SUMMARY

VII LITERATURE CITED

 CONTENTS

CHAPTER TITLE PAGE

NUMBER NUMBER

I INTRODUCTION

II REVIEW OF LITERATURE

III MATERIALS AND METHODS

IV RESULTS

V DISCUSSION

VI SUMMARY

LITERATURE CITED

APPENDIX

LIST OF TABLES
 TABLE TITLE PAGE
NUMBER NUMBER

3.1 List of genotypes used for investigation

4.1 Duration of dormancy (days) in different

rice genotypes

4.2 Germination (%) as influenced by different

physical methods for dormancy breaking

4.3 Seedling length (cm) as influenced by

different physical methods for dormancy
breaking

4.4 Vigour index as influenced by different

physical methods for dormancy breaking

4.5 Germination (%) as influenced by different

chemical methods for dormancy breaking

4.6 Seedling length (cm) as influenced by

different chemical methods for dormancy
breaking

4.7 Vigour index as influenced by different

chemical methods for dormancy breaking

4.8 Morpho-Physiological characters in rice

genotypes

4.9 Correlation between morpho-physiological

traits in dormancy duration

LIST OF FIGURES

FIGURE TITLE PAGE

NUMBER NUMBER
4.1 Effect of physical methods on germination
(%)

4.2 Effect of physical methods on seedling

length (cm)

4.3 Effect of physical methods on vigour index

4.4 Effect of chemical methods on germination

(%)

4.5 Effect of chemical methods on seedling

length (cm)

4.6 Effect of chemical methods on vigour index

 LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

% : per cent
°C : Degree celcius
@ : at the rate of
< : less than
> : greater than
cm : centimetres
et al : and co workers
Fig. : Figure
g : grams
GA3 : Gibberellic Acid
h : hours
HNO3 : Nitric Acid
i.e : that is
ICAR : Indian Council of Agricultural Research
ISTA : International Seed Testing Association
Kg : Kilograms
KNO3 : Potassium Nitrate
M : Molarity
m ha : million hectares
mm : millimeter
mt : million tonnes
N : Normality
NAA : Naphthelene Acetic Acid
ppm : parts per million
R.H. : Relative humidity
UPOV : International Union for Protection of
varieties
viz. : namely
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

It is by the lavish love and blessing of the Almighty “Shri Shirdi

Sai Baba” that I have been able to complete my studies successfully and
present this piece of work for which I am eternally indebted.

I express my deep sense of gratitude, indebtedness and sincere

regards to Dr. N. MANOHAR REDDY, Senior Scientist (Seed
Production), Department of Seed Science and Technology, National
Seed Project, College of Agriculture, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad and
Chairman of the Advisory Committee for suggesting the problem and his
immensely valuable guidance, keen interest, immeasurable help and
inspiration given to me throughout the progress of my research work.

I am highly indebted to Sri K. KESHAVULU, Scientist (Seed

Technology), Department of Seed Science and Technology, National
Seed Project, College of Agricultural University, Rajendranagar,
Hyderabad and Member of Advisory Committee for his continuous help
during the course of investigation and in going through the manuscript
critically and for his valuable suggestions.

I take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks to

Dr. K. RADHIKA, Scientist (Plant Breeding), Department of Seed
Science and Technology, National Seed Project, College of Agriculture,
Rajendranagar, Hyderabad and Member of my Advisory Committee for
her valuable advice and apt suggestions rendered during my thesis
preparation.

I owe a great debt of gratitude to Dr. B.S. KULKARNI,

Professor and Head, Department of Statistics and Mathematics,
Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, Rajendranagar,
Hyderabad and Member of Advisory Committee, for his suggestions and
guidance given during study period.

I am highly thankful to Dr. R. ANKAIAH, Principal Scientist,

National Seed Project, Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University,
Rajendranagar, Hyderabad for his constant help and advice during the
course of investigation and thesis preparation.

With respectable regards and immense pleasure I wish to expres

my proud sense of gratitude and heartful thanks to Dr. B.M. REDDY,
(Plant Breeding), University Head, Department of Seed Science and
Technology, National Seed Project, College of Agriculture,
Rajendranagar, Hyderabad for his suggestions and guidance in pursuit
of my post graduation study.

I am also grateful to Dr. S. R. VOLETI, Senior Scientist (Plant

Physiology), Directorate of Rice Research, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad
for his invaluable guidance, transcendent suggestions and constructive
criticism throughout this endevour.

I am highly thankful to Dr. C. KESHAV REDDY Principal

Scientist (Plant Physiology) and Head, Directorate of Rice Research,
Rajendranagar, Hyderabad for his keen interest and help during the
course of investigation.

My sincere and heartful thanks are due to my beloved parents

Sri. A. Penchalaiah and Smt. A. Kameswaramma brother
A. Vamsidhar for their constant encouragement throughout the period
of study.
 I am highly thankful to my Sister, Smt. V. Pavani and my
brother-in-law Sri. V. Venugopal for their inspiration, co operation and
encouragement during my study period.

I owe special word of my sincere gratitude to my classmates

Sujatha, Mrs. Latha, Pavan, Arun, Naveen, Mr. Ravindra babu for
their help, kind co-operation and encouragement throughout the course
of study and investigation.

I extend warmest thanks to my friends Madhu, Nandu, Aravinda,

Bujji, Vandu, Anjana, Jyothi, Veeru, Surya, Varma, Jeeva, Sneha,
Nithya, Yogini, Kiran, Srinivas, Sunil, Mr. Sudharshan, Vinod, during
the course of investigation and also in preparation of thesis.

I express my sense of gratitude to the Acharya N. G. Ranga

Agricultural University for giving this opportunity and financial
assistance during the period of my post graduation studies.

I am grateful to Shri. P. Pradeep Kumar for analysis.

I thank M/s. APARNA COMPUTERS, Premavathipet for their

efforts in producing a neatly typed thesis with meticulous care.

Date : - 02- 2004. (A. SARITHA)

Name of the Author : A. SARITHA

I.D. No. : RAM/01- 48

Title of the Thesis : ASSESSMENT OF SEED DORMANCY

DURATION AND BREAKING
METHODS IN RICE GENOTYPES

Degree to which it is : MASTER OF SCIENCE IN

submitted AGRICULTURE

Faculty : AGRICULTURE

Department : SEED SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Major Advisor : Dr. N. MANOHAR REDDY

University : ACHARYA N.G. RANGA

AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY,
RAJENDRANAGAR, HYDERABAD.

Year of submission : 2004

ABSTRACT

The study on seed dormancy duration and breaking methods in

rice genotypes was carried out during kharif, 2002. Seed dormancy of
fifty one popular rice cultivars was estimated with a simultaneous study
of physical and chemical methods of breaking seed dormancy.

The mean seed dormancy among the genotypes varied from

cultivar to cultivar (0 – 42 days) indicating the variation due to genetic
make up of the seed. The maximum seed dormancy of 42 days was
recorded in Vijetha and there was an absolutely no dormancy in seven
cultivars viz., Tellahamsa, Erramallelu, Keshava, KMR 3R, Shiva,
Kavya and Phalguna.

The data on the comparative efficacy of the different physical and

chemical treatments used for breaking the seed dormancy indicated that
all the methods brought a considerable degree of improvement in
germination by eliminating seed dormancy. However, seed treatment
with GA3 at all concentrations (100, 250 and 500 ppm) appeared to be
the best followed by pre-heat treatment at 40°C for 24 h and seed
treatment with HNO3 0.3% in breaking the seed dormancy.
 The correlation studies between morpho-physiological characters
and seed dormancy indicated that seed dormancy was not associated
with any of the morpho-physiological characters except L/B ratio of the
seed which exhibited negative correlation with dormancy duration.
 CHAPTER – I

INTRODUCTION

Rice is the staple diet for more than half of the population of

India. Out of a total cultivable area of 143 m ha in India, nearly

44.36 m.ha. is utilized for rice cultivation with an annual production of

84.8 mt (Anonymous, 2002). Though India ranks first in area under rice,

its productivity is not even half that of China. The country needs an

additional 2.5 mt. every year to feed the growing population

(Amudhasurabi and Dakshinamurthy, 2001). To achieve higher

productivity, the most basic need is the good quality seed. It has been

shown that 10 – 20% yield can be increased by the use of good quality

seed alone. Good quality seeds are “Seeds of Green Revolution”.

Among the characteristics of quality seed, germination is the most

important and seeds when sown should germinate readily. But

sometimes seeds do not germinate when they are sown immediately

after harvest due to dormancy.

Dormancy is one mechanism by which seeds maintain their

viability in unfavourable conditions. Harvesting non dormant rice seeds

in rainy season is a common problem because, seeds will sprout and

deteriorate in the field. This problem becomes more obvious if threshing

and drying are delayed. Since, the most common way to dry rice seeds

in India is sun drying, field weathering damage during rainy season is a

serious concern. Fortunately, there is a possible solution to this problem

which can be overcome by incorporating an inheritable trait dormancy

in rice cultivars. Inspite of this advantage dormancy creates problems for

seed analysts and seed producers, especially when the germination

percentage of the seed lot must be determined in a few weeks after

harvesting. Sometimes even if the seeds germinate readily at harvest,

due to unfavourable environmental conditions during storage or

germination, secondary dormancy may develop. Farmers mistake this

secondary dormancy as non-viability. In most of the rice cultivars in

Andhra Pradesh, farmers often encounter poor germination. Hence, it

becomes necessary to investigate the presence of dormancy in rice

cultivars before sowing.

With this backdrop, a study has been undertaken with the

following objectives :

1) To find out dormancy duration in different rice genotypes and

classify them based on dormancy.

2) To find out appropriate physical and chemical methods to

break the dormancy.

3) To study the correlation between morpho-physiological traits

and dormancy in rice genotypes.

 CHAPTER – II

REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Dormancy in cereal seed has been reported by several workers

over the years (Harrington, 1923; Larsen et al., 1936; Crocker and

Barton, 1953 and Stokes, 1965). Its intensity at harvest time depends on

numerous factors and varies significantly from one species to another

(Lenoir, 1983 and Come and Corbineau, 1984).

Basically, seed dormancy indicates the inability of seeds to

germinate under favourable conditions. This condition may be due to

any one or several causes (Crocker and Barton, 1953; Cresswell and

Grime 1981 and Simpson, 1990) due to immature embryos, seed coat

impermeability to water and gases, inhibitors, physiological maturity,

light sensitivity and mechanical restriction by seed coats.

Seed dormancy in rice has been reported by various workers from

different countries. However, with the release of new varieties, it is

become necessary to study the duration of dormancy period and to

suggest simple methods to break it for conducting germination test after

harvest. Most investigations deal with cause and effect relationships of

various dormancy breaking treatments such as chilling imbibed seeds,

scarifying hard seed coats and applying potassium nitrate, nitric acid,

gibberellic acid and other chemical solutions.

 In the present chapter, a review has been made of the work done

on assessment of dormancy of rice seed with special emphasis on

establishing the duration of dormancy, methods to break it and

relationship between morpho-physiological traits and dormancy.

2.1 Dormancy duration

Freshly harvested paddy seed of certain varieties had the

dormancy, leading to confusion and delay in germination and posing

problem for immediate testing after harvest (Delouche and Nguyen,

1964)

Variation in seed dormancy has been reported in different

varieties of O. sativa (Chang and yen, 1969; Panchaksharaiah et al.,

1976; Agrawal, 1981; Siddique et al., 1988 and Seshu and Dadlani,

1991).

Though it is well established, that in rice, early and medium

duration rice varieties had shorter span of dormancy compared to late

duration varieties (Sukumardev, 1982 and Murthy et al., 1990), Agrawal

(1981) reported that crop duration had no influence on seed dormancy.

Come et al. (1984) reported that dormancy intensity depends on

many factors including the species and variety, the year and place of

harvest and the stage of development of seeds.

 Dighe and Patil (1985) reported that the dormancy period was 20-

80 days, 23 – 70 days and 36 – 64 days in early, medium and late

duration rice varieties, respectively grown in Vidarbha region of

Maharashtra.

Seed dormancy in indica rice types can be caused by pericarp

impermeability to oxygen (Bewley and Black, 1985) by abscissic acid

(Hayashi, 1987), by short chain saturated fatty acids (Majumder et al.,

1989) or by several of these factors.

Dormancy studies were conducted at ARS Maruteru during

kharif, in Coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh, results were found to be

BPT 3291 and MTU 5293 had two weeks dormancy; MTU 2067 and

MTU 2077 had four weeks dormancy and MTU 4870 had five weeks of

dormancy duration (Anonymous, 1986).

Mahadevappa and Nandishe (1987) observed that the seed

dormancy period in rice ranged from 0 – 12 weeks.

Come et al. (1988) stated that the dormancy of cereal seeds was

inability to germinate at relatively high temperature and the glumellae

and envelopes of the caryopsis were largely responsible for dormancy,

probably by controlling oxygen supply to the grain.

Kelly (1988) reported that seed dormancy in rice varied among

and within species in terms of its degree or intensity and persistence. For
example, Oryza glaberrima (African rice) was known to have a strong

dormancy while O. sativa had weak dormancy.

Ankaiah et al. (1992) reported that Saleem and BPT 5204 had

two weeks dormancy; WGL 4465, Satya, IR 64, Surekha and CSR 18

had four weeks dormancy; RNR 32341 and WGL 48684 had five weeks

dormancy; IET 8580, WGL 20471 and CSR 13 had six weeks

dormancy; Pakistan Basmati and Basmati 370 had seven weeks

dormancy.

Rosamma et al. (1993) reported that Red Thriveni variety of rice

had longer duration of dormancy (18 days) compared to Thriveni

(2 days) .

Studies conducted by Kalita et al. (1994) with a total of 212

photoperiod insensitive germplasm collection of rice revealed that 155

genotypes were non dormant and 57 had dormancy ranging from 7-35

days.

Rao (1994) reported that in forty medium duration traditional rice

varieties, dormancy duration varied between 9 & 76 days, 62 & 101

days during rabi and kharif , respectively.

Angrish and Panwar (1996) reported that the extent of seed

dormancy in rice varied with cultivars and it was the shortest in Pusa 33

(90% of germination at 10 days after harvest) and the largest in Basmati

370 and Taraori Basmati (86 and 82 per cent, respectively at 130 days

after harvest).

Bhaskar et al. (1998) found that paddy CMS lines IR 58025A and

IR 62829A took 25 days for losing dormancy after maturity, while

restorer lines IR 9761-19-IR and IR 29723-143-3-2-IR took 30 and 45

days, respectively and the hybrid of IR 58025 A/ IR9761 took 30 days

for losing dormancy.

Delatorra (1999) stated that seed dormancy and viability of red

rice depends on the biotype and environmental conditions during seed

development. In general, biotypes have two types of dormancy, one

from the surrounding structures and the other from the embryo.

Miura and Araki (1999) reported that indica rice seeds ripen at a

high temperature with deep secondary dormancy.

Padma and Reddy (2000) reported that Surekha and Phalguna did

not exhibit dormancy and registered certification standard germination

(80%) immediately after harvest; whereas, dormancy duration was four

weeks in CSR 18, Chaitanya and Krishnaveni; six weeks in Pusa

Basmati and Basmati 370 and 7 weeks in Pakistan Basmati, CSR 13,

RNR 32341 and WGL 48684.

Other crops

Federowska (1971) observed satisfactory germination in Smiena

(long duration variety) and Borowski (short duration variety) cultivars of

sunflower when harvested at 135 and 118 days after sowing (DAS) as

compared to the seed harvested at 105 and 88 DAS, respectively.

Kumar and Shastry (1975) reported a dormancy period of 45 to

50 days in seed of two sunflower cultivars i.e., EC 69874 and EC 68415.

The agro-climactic conditions under which the mother plants

were grown may influenced significantly the state of dormancy of the

seeds produced in wheat (Olssan and Mattson, 1976), Oat (Sawhney and

Naylar, 1982) and Barley (Lenoir, 1983).

Rao et al. (1990) found that in sunflower, the dormancy duration

was 30 days for Morden variety and 40 days for EC-68414 and

APSH–11.

Swain et al. (2001) reported that in groundnut, dormancy period

of the varieties ranged from 33 to 107 days and dormancy intensity from

54% to 100%. Erect varieties showed short to medium dormancy period

with weak to moderate intensity and most semi-spreading and spreading

varieties possessed long dormancy period coupled with strong intensity

of dormancy.
2.2 Dormancy breaking methods

Removal of residual dormancy from dehusked rice seeds after

scarification of the bran tissues was reported by Roberts (1961).

Soaking dormant seeds in either nitrate or hydrogen ion solutions

for increased germination per cent (Roberts, 1963).

Delouche and Nguyen (1964) observed that water soaking

method was effective to break the seed dormancy in paddy. The

improvement of germination of rice seeds by soaking and shaking in

water for a prolonged period was observed by Richharia (1964).

Jennings and Jesus (1964) reported that dormancy could be

broken down in the rice seeds by rapidly drying them to 11% moisture

content and them incubating at 47°C for 7 days.

Lang (1965) reported that GA3 had the property to greatly

improve germination of dormant cereal seeds.

Murthy and Raghavaiah (1966) found that storing rice seeds at

42°C for 7 days was most useful for breaking seed dormancy.

Sikder (1967) observed that the seed treatment with N/10 H2SO4

for 4 hours improved the germination of rice seeds by increasing the

permeability of the glumes to oxygen.

 Misra and Misro (1968) reported that the dormancy could be

broken down by dehusking the seeds in Oryza sativa L. but not in Oryza

glaberrima.

Chemical treatments have been considered to be effective in

breaking seed dormancy of many species, including rice (Agrawal and

Nanda, 1969; Subramoney and Abraham, 1969; Roberts and Smith,

1977; Agrawal, 1981; Ellis et al., 1983 and Seshu and Dadlani, 1991).

However these results were contradictory to those of Hayashi and

Morifuji, 1972; Hayashi, 1980 and Agrawal, 1981.

Dry heat treatment at 50°c was reported to break dormancy

effectively in rice seeds by several workers (Agrawal and Nanda, 1969;

Hayashi and Morifuji, 1972; Jalote and Vaish, 1976; Dolago et al., 1977

and Siddique et al., 1988).

Gibberellic acid (GA3) was found to promote the germination of

dormant seed of 23 graminaceous species including rice. (Nakamura,

1963; Roberts, 1963 and Roberts and Smith, 1977) Soaking of rice seeds

in water at 40°C for 1 – 2 days was found effective to break the

dormancy (ISTA, 1976 and Ellis et al., 1983). Dighe and Patil (1985)

observed that hot-water treatment at 50°c for three hours was effective

in breaking the seed dormancy in rice.

 Cohn and Castle (1984) suggested that in red rice the promotive

effect of nitrite in dormant seed might be due to the leakage of some

inhibitor probably abscissic acid.

Petruzzelli (1988) found that fusicoccain was an effective agent

for breaking dormancy in cultivated rice (Oryza sativa and Oryza

glaberrima) at 10-3 M concentration.

Patil and Zode (1990) reported that soaking seeds in GA3

@ 250 ppm for 24 h and HNO3 @ 0.3 N for 60 sec. was found most

useful for breaking seed dormancy in rice. Similarly, dry heat treatment

at 50°C for 5 days and soaking in 0.1 N HNO3 gave the best results to

break the dormancy in IR-36, IR-34 and H4 varieties of rice (Zhang,

1990).

Seshu and Dadlani (1991) suggested that gibberellic acid and

0.01 M HNO3 were effective in breaking the seed dormancy in rice.

Nugraha and Soejadi (1991) found that the effective method of

breaking dormancy in IR 64 was pre-drying at 50°C for five days

followed by soaking in tap water for 24 h .

Ghosh and Sarkar (1993) observed that application of gibberellic

acid was effective to break the dormancy in Ratna variety of rice.

 Franco et al. (1997) observed that soaking of dormant seed in

0.3% sodium hypochlorite at 40°c for 16h recorded highest germination

in rice.

Studies of Naredo et al. (1998) revealed that appropriate

combinations of seed hull, dry heat or chemical treatment and

germination under optimum temperature regimes were effective to break

the seed dormancy.

Asborno et al. (1999) found that seeds of rice cultivars Yerua and

Tebonnet showed early growth, increased coleoptile length and field

emergence when soaked in GA3 solution at 100 ppm.

Delatorre (1999) stated that dormancy breaking in red rice was

dependent on environmental temperatures and humidity during and after

ripening and also some substances including cytokinins.

Guimaraes et al. (2000) succeeded in breaking dormancy of rice

seeds by application of 0.3% sodium hypochlorite at 40°C for 16 hr and

0.5% Sodium hypochorite for 24 hr and drying at 50°C.

Studies of Lee et al. (2002) revealed that thirty two Korean rice

varieties showed highest germination, when the seeds were exposed to

70-80° C temperature for 24 h compared to 85-90° C.

 Gowda et al. (2003) reported that soaking of freshly harvested

seeds of KRH-2 rice hybrid in 1000 ppm of GA3 for 48 h and drying at

50° C was effective to break the dormancy.

Other crops

Different methods were used to break dormancy in sunflower

seeds, some are the low temperature treatment (Wallace and Schwarting,

1954) pre chilling and treatment of seeds with gibberellin or oxygenated

water (Hunka, 1968) drying the seeds or sectioning the achene

(Leclereq, 1972).

Fletcher and Mortin (1962) showed that gibberellic acid @ 1000

ppm would break the dormancy of clover seed and enhance the

germination.

Dry storage in ambient conditions eliminates dormancy of cereal

seeds (Stokes, 1965) by decreasing the inhibitory action of the covering

structures (Come and Corbineau, 1984 and Come et al., 1984).

In addition to plant growth regulators, supply of inorganic

nitrogen in the form of potassium nitrate promoted dormancy

termination in some seeds of Avena fatua (Red rice), Pinus taeda L,

Rudbeckia fulgida L. and other crops. (Biswas et al., 1972; Rivas et al.,

1984; Hilhorst et al.,1986; Chang et al.,1991; Fay et al., 1994;

McLntyre et al., 1996, and Yoon et al., 1997).

 Kumar and Shastry (1975) succeeded in breaking dormancy of

sunflower seeds by exogenous application of growth regulators such as

gibberellic acid (500 ppm) and etherel (25 ppm).

Mott (1979) observed that dry-heat treatment at 85°C for 1 or 2

hr was effective in breaking hard seedness in Trifolium ripen.

Das (1979) found that GA3 had stimulatory effect on germination

in barley seeds and the amount required to overcome dormancy was

dependent on the level of dormancy.

1-Proponol, proprionic acid at 20 mM is effective in breaking the

dormancy of red rice (Avena fatua) seeds [Cohn et al., 1987].

Suryawanshi et al. (1989) reported enhanced germination in

pearlmillet after storing the seeds for 8 days at 30°c and 40-50% R.H.

Lecat et al. (1992) observed that seeds soaked in 10-3 M GA3 at

5° C for 7 days enhanced the germination percentage in oat.

Ankaiah et al. (1993) reported that soaking dormant seeds of

sunflower, in GA3 solution @ 300 ppm for 12h was effective in

breaking dormancy.

Pedersen et al. (1993) reported that heat treatment at 45° C for

5.2 days enhanced the germination from 51% to 98% in wheat, where as
in barley (Trixy variety) heat treatment at 45° C for 4.9 days would

increase the germination from 71% to 99%.

Sastry et al. (1995) observed that storing the seeds at 23°C - 30°C

and 40%-50% R.H. for 60 days could break the dormancy in pearlmillet.

Piotto (1995) found that scarification for 50 seconds was the

simplest and quickest method of improving the speed of germination

and pre chilling for 21 days enhanced the germination percentage

compared to untreated control in Pistacia lentiscess.

Wang (1996) reported that dormant barley grains could germinate

when they were placed on whatmann filterpaper containing water (3

ml/plate) and incubated for 20° C in dark.

Rehman et al. (1999) observed that soaking of dormant Acacia

seeds in water at 70° C for 100 min. was most effective to break the

dormancy.

Mackay et al. (2001) reported that a minimum acid scarification

treatment for 60 min. and a temperature of 21 or 24° C was required to

get 79-85% germination in Lupinus arboreus.

Matus et al. (2001) reported that potassium nitrate (1 g/l)

treatment prior to incubation at 15° C for one week in darkness was

most effective in promoting germination in dormant seeds of canary

grass and wheat cultivar ‘Katepwa’.

 Finch Savage et al. (2002) suggested that the cherry seeds were

deeply dormant and at least 15 weeks of low temperature treatment was

required to break the dormancy.

Pena Valdivia et al. (2002) reported that mechanical scarification

and exposing seeds to high temperatures (30-45°C) was effective to

break the dormancy of wild species of bean compared to domesticated

species.

2.3. Morphological characters

Studies conducted by Sivasubramanian and Ramakrishnan (1978)

in rice on various quantitative characters and physiological properties of

seeds revealed that kernel colour and shape of seed were of greater

diagnostic value for varietal identification. They also observed that

growth characters like length of root, shoot, coleoptile and primary leaf

were highly variable and of limited value in distinguishing the varieties

from one another.

Katayama (1988) classified 64 rice genotypes based on grain

length, width, thickness, area and volume and indicated the relationship

between varieties which was useful for varietal classification.

Vanangamudi et al. (1988) examined hulled grain characters of

85 varieties of rice and grouped them based on the length, shape and

profile value (width).

 Sixty varieties / strains of rice were studied by Jaiswal and

Agrawal (1990) for their morphological characters viz., grain length,

breadth, shape and colour.

Other crops

Ten hybrids, eight male sterile lines and nine restorer lines were

characterized in pearlmillet based on seed shape and colour (Jabeen

et al.,1998)

Morris and Payne (1977) reported that soybean varieties could be

distinguished from each other on the basis of morphological characters

of seed namely size, coat colour and hilum colour etc.

Jagdish et al. (1994) studied key diagnostic characters under field

and laboratory conditions in order to distinguish the sunflower parental

lines and hybrids based on seed colour and shape.

Groundnut varieties were distinguished based on morphological

characters like pod and kernel shape and colour by Jabeen and Reddy

(1993) and Jabeen et al. (1998).

 CHAPTER – III

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The laboratory and field experiments of the present investigation

were conducted in Department of Seed Science and Technology and

seed production area of National Seed Project, ANGRAU,

Rajendranagar, Hyderabad during kharif, 2002. The farm is located at

an altitude of 518 M above mean sea level, 17.2° N latitude and 78.3° E

longitude.

3.1 Meteorological data

Mean meteorological data on maximum and minimum

temperatures, relative humidity, hours of sunshine and rainfall recorded

during the experimental period are furnished in appendix-1.

3.2 Materials

The seed material used in the present study consisted of fifty one

genotypes of rice with different durations of maturity and dormancy

obtained from different rice research stations of ICAR and State

Agricultural Universities. The list of genotypes along with pedigree /

source is furnished in Table 3.1.

3.3 Methods

3.3.1 Nursery

Seed of all the genotypes were sown in raised nursery beds. The

nursery was well managed with proper care and plant protection

measures against pests and diseases.

3.3.2 Main field

The main field was thoroughly puddled, levelled and uniformly

fertilized at the rate of 120 Kg N, 60 Kg P2O5 and 40 Kg K2O per

hectare. Depending on the duration of the genotypes, 21-28 days old

seedlings were transplanted in the main field. The plot size for each

entry was 2 rows of 5m length with a spacing of 15 cm between the

plants and 20 cm between the rows. Irrigation was given as and when

required and recommended package of practices were adopted during

the crop growth period.

3.3.3 Harvesting

The genotypes were harvested at the stage of physiological

maturity i.e., when the seeds turned to golden yellow colour. Hundred

panicles were harvested randomly from each entry of study.

3.3.4 Threshing and drying

Immediately after harvest, the panicles were threshed manually

and the seed was sun dried on the cement floor till the seed had 13 %

moisture content.

3.3.5 Seed storage

Seeds with 13 per cent moisture content from each entry were

stored under ambient storage conditions in cloth bags. Germination test

was conducted in the laboratory at weekly intervals from the time of

harvesting upto eight weeks.

3.4 Recording of experimental data

3.4.1 Days to 50 per cent flowering

The number of days taken from the date of sowing to the date

when 50 per cent population reached flowering was recorded as days to

50 per cent flowering. Based on days to 50% flowering, the genotypes

were categorized into three duration groups namely early (< 80 days)

medium (80 – 110 days) and late (>110 days) duration varieties

(UPOV, 2000).

3.4.2 Days to physiological maturity

The number of days taken from the date of sowing till the seeds

turned to golden yellow colour was recorded as days to physiological

maturity. Based on physiological maturity, the genotypes were classified

into three duration groups namely, early (<90 days), medium (90-120

days) and late (>120 days) duration varieties ( UPOV, 2000).

3.4.3. Days to harvest

The number of days taken from sowing to harvest was recorded

as days to harvest. Based on days to harvest, the genotypes were

categorized into three duration groups namely early (<100 days),

medium (100-120 days) and late (>120 days) duration varieties (UPOV,

2000).

3.4.4 1000 seed weight (g)

After drying the seeds to 13% moisture 1000 seeds were counted

at random in each entry and the weight was recorded in grams on top

pan balance. Genotypes were classified into four groups namely those

having very low (13.3 – 17.4), low (17.4 – 25.6), high (26.6 – 29.7) and

very high (> 29.7) seed weight (UPOV, 2000).

3.4.5 Germination (%)

Between paper method of germination test as prescribed by the

International Seed Testing Association (1985) was followed. Four

replications of 100 seeds each were randomly counted and placed on the

germination paper at uniform spacing of 25 mm between seeds in rows.

The rolled paper towels with seeds were secured at both the ends with
rubber bands and placed vertically in a cabinet of seed germinator by

maintaining a constant temperature of 25 ± 1° C and a relative humidity

of 95 ± 2%. The germination was recorded on 10th day and based on

normal seedlings produced; the germination per cent was worked out.

Germinated seeds
Germination (%) = --------------------- x 100
Total number of seeds

3.4.6 Seedling length (cm)

Five seedlings were randomly selected on the 10th day and length

of the seedling was measured in centimetres and the mean was given as

seedling length.

3.4.7 Vigour index

The seedling vigour index (SVI) was calculated by using the

formula suggested by Abdul – Baki and Anderson (1973).

Seedling vigour index (SVI) = Germination (%) x

Total Seedling Length (cm)

3.4.8 Seed length (mm)

The seed length was measured longitudinally from ten matured

spikelets from the lower part of sterile lemma to the tip of apiculus.

Based on seed length, the entries were classified into five groups
namely, very short (< 6.94), short (6.94 – 7.92), medium (7.92 – 9.88),

long (9.88 – 10.86) and very long (> 10.86) (UPOV, 2000).

3.4.9 Seed breadth (mm)

Lateral diameter of ten matured spikelets was recorded by using

dial micrometer (Murthy and Govindaswami, 1967). Based on this

parameter, the entries were categorized into five groups namely, very

narrow (< 1.58), narrow (1.58 – 1.73), medium (1.73 – 2.03), broad

(2.03 - 2.28) and very broad (>2.28) (UPOV, 2000).

3.4.10 Length and breadth ratio of kernel

The length and breadth ratio was computed and the entries were

classified into five groups namely, long slender (> 3.0), long bold (<

3.0), when the seed length was > 6 mm; as medium slender (2.5 to 3.0),

when the seed length was between 5 & 6 mm and as short bold (< 2.5)

and short slender (> 3.0), when the seed length was < 6 mm (UPOV,

2000).

3.4.11 Seed shape

Based on visual observation of the seed shape, the rice genotypes

were grouped into five categories as round, semi round, spindle, half

spindle and very spindle (UPOV, 2000).

3.4.12 Seed colour

Based on visual observation of the seed colour, the rice genotypes

were grouped into four categories as golden yellow, yellow, brown and

yellowish brown (UPOV, 2000).

3.5. Dormancy

3.5.1 Dormancy duration - germination

Germination was recorded periodically at weekly interval from

harvest upto the stage where the germination reached to minimum Seed

Certification Standard (80%). The dormancy duration was computed as

the period from harvest till the germination reached to 80% in each

entry. Based on dormancy duration, the fifty one rice genotypes were

classified into five categories viz., very weak (0-14 days), weak (14-21

days), moderate (21-28 days), strong (28-35 days) and very strong (>35

days).

3.6 Breaking dormancy

The following physical and chemical methods were imposed to

break the dormancy of freshly harvested seed and the standard

germination test was conducted thereafter (ISTA, 1985).

3.6.1 Physical methods

3.6.1.1 Pre- wash treatment

The seeds were washed under running tap water for 6, 12 &

24 h.

3.6.1.2 Pre-heating treatment

The seeds were dried in an oven at a temperature of 40°C with a

forced ventilation for 6, 12 and 24 h (Cseresnyes, 1979).

3.6.1.3 Pre-chilling treatment

The seeds were exposed to low temperature at 5°C for 6, 12 and

24 h (Cseresnyes, 1979).

3.6.2 Chemical methods

3.6.2.1 Nitric acid (HNO3) treatment

Seed samples were soaked in nitric acid solution of 0.1, 0.2 and

0.3 per cent for 24 h.

3.6.2.2 Potassium nitrate (KNO3) treatment

Seed samples were soaked in KNO3 solution of 0.1, 0.2 and 0.5

per cent for 24 h.

3.6.2.3 Gibberellic acid (GA3) treatment

Seeds were soaked in gibberellic acid solution @ 100, 250 and

500 ppm for 24 h.

3.6.2.4 Naphthalene acetic acid( NAA) treatment

Seeds were soaked in naphthalene acetic acid solution @ 25 , 50

and 100 ppm for 24 h.

3.7.2.5 Etherel treatment

Seeds samples were soaked in etherel solutions of 25 , 50 and 100

ppm for 24 h.

3.8 Statistical methods

The mean values of the data were statistically analyzed following

Completely Randomized Factorial Design (CRFD) for laboratory

studies, Randomized Block Design (RBD) for field studies and

significance was tested by referring to ‘F’ tables of Fisher and Yates

(1963).
Table : 3.1

S.No. Genotypes Kennal Length / Seed colour

Shape width (mm)
1. Krishnahamsa Spindle 9.35/2.37 Golden yellow
2. Rasi Semi Round 7.0/2.75 Yellow
3. Heera Spindle 9.55/3.1 Brown
4. TKM 9 Semi Round 7.15/3.05 Yellow
5. Annada Semi Round 7.47/3.22 Yellow
6. Rudrama Round 7.49/3.27 Yellowish
brown
7. Govind Spindle 9.9/2.49 Yellow
8. Ravi Semi Round 7.91/2.71 Golden yellow
9. Erramallelu Very spindle 10.8/2.1 Golden yellow
10. MTU 1006 Spindle 8.52/2.23 Brownish
yellow
11. Rajendra Spindle 8.12/2.48 Golden yellow
12. Satya Spidle 8.48/2.35 Golden yellow
13. Ratna Spindle 9.4/2.24 Golden yellow
14. MTU 1010 Semi Round 8.98/2.79 Golden yellow
15. IR 30864 Spindle 9.38/2.55 Golden yellow
16. PMK 2 Semi Round 7.44/2.95 Yellow
17. Indursamba Spindle 8.44/2.3 Golden yellow
18. TKM-12 Semi Round 7.34/2.55 Golden yellow
19. Varsha Semi Round 8.02/2.72 Yellowish
brown
20. NLR 33358 Spindle 9.32/2.54 Golden yellow
21. Tellahamsa Very spindle 10.0/2.45 Yellow
22. RNR 4044 Spindle 9.45/2.43 Yellow
23. NLR 30491 Semi Round 7.59/2.44 Golden yellow
24. Keshava Spindle 8.85/2.55 Golden yellow

25. Shiva Very spindle 10.19/2.67 Golden yellow

26. Sagarasamba Semi Round 7.61/2.4 Yellow
27. IR 40750R Spindle 8.75/2.5 Golden yellow
28. Jitendra Very spindle 10.45/2.7 Golden yellow
29. Chandan Spindle 9.35/2.29 Yellow
30. Kavya Semi round 8.55/2.45 Golden yellow
31. Nagarjuna Very spindle 9.45/2.3 Golden yellow
32. RNR 18833 Very spindle 9.45/2.3 Golden yellow
33. KMR -3R Semi round 8.08/2.87 Yellowish
brown
34. IR 64 Spindle 9.23/2.5 Golden yellow
35. BPT 5204 Semi round 7.53/2.19 Yellow
36. TKM –10 Half spindle 7.85/2.65 Yellowish
brown
37. RGL - 2537 Half spindle 8.19/2.25 Golden yellow
38. ADT ( R ) -46 Spindle 9.37/2.7 Golden yellow
39. Purnedu Semi round 7.49/2.5 Golden yellow
40. BPT –3291 Semi round 7.74/2.75 Yellowish
brown
41. MTU – 2067 Semi round 8.29/2.59 Yellowish
brown
42. MTU – 9993 Round 7.82/3.02 Yellowish
brown
43. Phalguna Spindle 9.36/2.62 Golden yellow
44. RDR – 8702 Spindle 9.45/2.39 Yellow
45. PR – 106 Spindle 9.14/2.67 Yellowish
brown
46. MTU – 2077 Semi round 8.07/2.67 Yellowish
brown
47. MTU – 5293 Semi round 7.65/2.51 Golden yellow
48. Prakash Spindle 9.2/2.49 Yellowish
brown
49. Mandyavijaya Semi round 8.18/2.37 Yellowish
brown
50. MTU – 4870 Semi round 7.87/2.75 Yellowish
brown
51. MTU –1001 Semi round 8.95/2.75 Golden yellow
Table : 3.1

S.No. Genotypes Pedigree/source

1. Krishnahamsa Rasi/Fine Gora
2. Rasi TN 1/Co.29
3. Heera CR404-48/CR289-1208
4. TKM 9 TKM 7/IR 8
5. Annada MTU 15//Waikoku
6. Rudrama HR 19/TN 1
7. Govind IR 20/IR 24
8. Ravi M63-83// RP79/5/ Rikotu
Norin 21
9. Erramallelu BC5-55/
W12708
10. Maruteru Sannalu Pureline selection
Ooda Sannalu
11. Rajendra IJ 52/TN 1
12. Satya Tellahamsa / Rasi
13. Ratna TKM 6/IR 8
14. Cottondora Sannalu Krishnaveni / IR 69
15. NLR 33358 Reselection from IR 50
16. TKM 12 **
17. Bharani IR 36/IET 2508
18. IR 30864 IR17-18/IR7801-1-2-1//IR
46 / Khaola
19. Keshava WGL 28712/IR 36-1996
20. Tellahamsa HR12/TN 1
21. PMK 2 IR 13564-149-3/ASD 4
22. Indursamba BPT 5204/Surekha
23. Varsha IR 50/Mahsuri
24. RNR 4044 RNR 87877/IR 50
25. Shiva Phalguna/IR 50
26. Sagarsamba IR 8/Siam 29// IR 8/PTB 21
27. IR 40750R **
28. Jitendra Selection from land race
29. Chandana Sona / Manoharsali
30. Kavya WGL 27120/WGL 7672/
Mahsuri/Surekha
31. Nagarjuna Sona / Manoharsali
32. Sumathi Chandana / Pakistan
Basmathi
33. KMR -3R **
34. IR 64 IR 5657-33-2-1/IR 2061-
465-1-5-5
35. Vijetha MTU 5249/MTU 7014
 36. Samba Mahsuri GEB 24/TN 1//Mahsuri
37. TKM 10 CO 31/C 22
38. Srikakulam Sannalu CRT-145-CR 1014
39. ADT ( R ) 46 **
40. Purnendu Patnai 23 / Jaladhi 2
41. Sona Mahsuri Sona / Mahsuri
42. Chaitanya Sowbhagya/ARC 5984
43. MTU 9993 Rasi/Fine Gora
44. Phalguna IR 8 /Siam 29
45. RDR 8702 OBS 877/IR 2070-423-21-5
46. PR 106 IR 8/Peta 5 / Bella Patna
47. Krishnaveni Sowbhagya / ARC 5984
48. Pratiba Sowbhagya / ARC 6650
49. Prakash T 90/IR 8
50. Mandyavijaya Sona / Mahsuri
51. Deepti Sowbhagya / ARC 6650

** Not available
 CHAPTER -IV

RESULTS

A field and laboratory experiment was conducted with fifty one

genotypes of rice and the data were collected on fourteen characters viz.,

dormancy duration, germination, seedling length and seedling vigour

index, days to 50% flowering, days to physiological maturity, days to

harvest, moisture content, 1000 seed weight, seed length, seed breadth

and length & breadth ratio. The data were analyzed and the results are

furnished below.

4.1 Dormancy duration

A significant variation was found among all the genotypes

studied for dormancy duration (Table 4.1). Forty three genotypes were

classified as very weak, two genotypes (Cottondora Sannalu and IR

40750R) as weak, four genotypes (Satya, IR 64, Chaitanya and

Krishnaveni) as moderate, one genotype (Deepti) as strong and the

remaining one genotype (Vijetha) was classified as very strong. The

highest dormancy duration of 42 days was recorded in only one

genotype i.e. Vijetha and dormancy was absent (0 days) in seven

genotypes viz., Tellahamsa, Shiva, Erramallelu, Keshava, Kavya,

KMR 3R and Phalguna.

4.2 Dormancy breaking physical treatments

4.2.1 Pre-wash treatments

4.2.1.1 Germination (%)

The data (Table 4.2) indicated that there was a significant

variation among the genotypes, treatments and their interactions for

germination. The maximum germination was recorded in RNR 4044 in

all the durations of pre-wash treatment i.e. 71 (6 h), 71 (12 h), and 72

(24 h) and the minimum germination (10%) was observed in Purnendu

in all the pre-wash treatments. The seed washed for 24 h had shown

maximum mean germination (37) which was found to be significantly

superior to the other two pre-wash treatments i.e.12 h (36) and 6 h (36).

4.2.1.2 Seedling length (cm)

A significant variation was observed among the genotypes,

treatments and their interactions for seedling length. Among the

genotypes, Erramallelu, Tellahamsa, IR 64 and Prakash recorded

maximum seedling length (29), whereas minimum was found in TKM 9

and Jitendra (19). Pre-wash treatments for 12 h & 24 h showed the equal

mean seedling length (24.9) followed by 6 h (24.7) (Table 4.3).

4.2.1.3 Vigour index

The data (Table 4.4) revealed that there was a significant

difference among the genotypes, treatments, and their interactions for

vigour index. Maximum vigour index was recorded in Tellahamsa i.e. at

6 h (1901), followed by 12 h (1815) and 24 h (1844) while, the

minimum was recorded in Purnendu i.e. 206, 207 and 210 at 6, 12 and

24 h pre-wash treatment, respectively. Among the treatments, 12 h pre-

wash treatment had highest vigour index (953) and 6 h recorded as the

lowest (902).

4.2.2 Pre-heat treatment

4.2.2.1 Germination (%)

A significant variation was observed among the genotypes,

treatments and their interactions (Table 4.2) for germination. Maximum

germination percentage was observed in RNR 4044 in all the treatments

of 6 h (84) 12 h (87) and 24 h (87). The minimum germination was

recorded in Purnendu for 6 h (25), 12 h (27) and 24 h (29). The mean

germination for treatments was 61, 64 and 65 for 6, 12 and 24 h

respectively. Among physical treatments, 24h pre-heat treatment at 40°C

gave maximum mean germination (Fig 4.1).

4.2.2.2 Seedling length (cm)

There was a significant difference among the genotypes,

treatments and their interactions for seedling length. The highest mean

seedling length was recorded in Mandyavijaya for all the treatments i.e.

29.7, 29.7 and 29.9, for 6, 12 and 24 h pre wash treatment respectively
and the lowest was recorded in TKM 9 and Jitendra (19%). Among the

treatments, highest seedling length was recorded for 24 h of seed

treatment (25) followed by 6 h (24.9) and 12 h (24.8) of pre-heat

treatment (Table 4.3). Among physical treatments, 24h pre-heat

treatment had maximum mean seedling length (Fig 4.2)

4.2.2.3 Vigour index

The data (Table 4.4) revealed that there was a significant

difference among the genotypes, treatments and their interactions for

vigour index. The maximum vigour index was recorded in Tellahamsa

i.e. 2296, 2353 and 2394 for 6, 12 and 24 h treatments respectively. The

minimum vigour index was found in Purnendu for all the treatments i.e.

518, 562 and 604 for 6, 12 and 24 h treatments, respectively. Among the

treatments, pre-heat for 24 h had highest vigour index (1650) and the

minimum was recorded in 6 h (1546) of pre-heat treatment. Among

physical treatments, 24h pre-treatment given maximum mean vigour

index (Fig 4.3).

4.2.3 Pre-chilling treatment

4.2.3.1 Germination (%)

The data (Table 4.2) showed significant variation among the

genotypes, treatments and their interaction for germination. The

maximum germination of 75, 78 and 79 was recorded in RNR 4044 in

all the pre-chilling treatments for 6, 12 and 24 h, respectively. While

minimum of 17, 19 and 21 was recorded in Purnendu for all the

treatments. Among the treatments, maximum mean germination (48)

was recorded in 24 h of pre-chilling treatment whereas, minimum (45)

was recorded in 6 h of pre-chilling treatment.

4.2.3.2 Seedling length (cm)

The analysis of variation showed significant differences among

the genotypes, treatments, and their interaction for seedling length

(Table 4.3). The high seedling lengths (29) were recorded in the

genotypes Erramallelu, Tellahamsa, IR 64, Chaitanya and Mandyavijaya

and low seedling lengths (19) in TKM 9 and Jitendra. Among pre-

chilling treatments, maximum seedling growth was observed for 24 h

pre-chilling treatment (25) followed by 6 h and 12 h (24.8).

4.2.3.3 Vigour index

Significant variation was recorded among the genotypes,

treatments and their interactions for vigour index (Table 4.4). The

highest vigour index was observed in Tellahamsa (2029) whereas,

lowest vigour index was recorded in Purnendu (388). The general mean

vigour indices were 1217, 1178 and 1123 for 24, 12 and 6 h of pre-

chilling treatments, respectively.

4.3 Dormancy breaking chemical treatments

4.3.1 HNO3

4.3.1.1 Germination (%)

The effect of HNO3 treatments and their interactions were found

to be significant among the genotypes for seed germination. The data on

mean values of germination indicated that germinability with HNO3 @

0.1, 0.2 and 0.3% was 57, 59 and 60 respectively (Table 4.5).

Maximum germination was found in Mandyavijaya (78) while,

the minimum was recorded in Purnendu (26) in all the concentrations of

HNO3.

4.3.1.2 Seedling length (cm)

There was a significant difference among the genotypes,

treatments and their interactions for seedling length (Table 4.6). At

0.1%, the maximum seedling length was observed in Mandyavijaya

(29.7 cm) and minimum in Jitendra (18.3 cm), while at 0.2 and 0.3%

concentration, Mandyavijaya recorded maximum for both concentrating

(29.7 cm), whereas Jitendra recorded minimum seedling length (18.5

and 18.9 cm respectively). The treatments of HNO3 at 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3%

were on par with each other by recording a general mean seedling length

of 24.9, 25.0 and 25.1 cm, respectively.

4.3.1.3 Vigour index

Vigour index varied significantly due to varieties, treatments and

their interactions. The data recorded for vigour index (Table 4.7)

indicated that, among all the genotypes, Mandyavijaya recorded highest

vigour index (2327) followed by Tellahamsa (2132) whereas, lowest

was recorded in Purnendu (541). Among the three treatments, 0.3%

recorded maximum vigour index (1510) and the minimum with 0.1%

(1432).

4.3.2 KNO3

4.3.2.1 Germination (%)

The perusal of the data showed significant variation among the

genotypes for seed germination. Sonamahsuri recorded highest

germination (75) where as Purnendu recorded lowest germination (20).

Among the treatments, 0.3% of KNO3 had maximum germination (56)

and minimum (54) in 0.1% (Table 4.5).

4.3.2.2 Seedling length (cm)

There was a significant variation among the genotypes,

treatments and their interaction for seedling length. The data (Table 4.6)

revealed that highest seedling length was observed in Mandyavijaya

(29.5) whereas, lowest was recorded in Jitendra (18.8). Erramallelu,

IR64, Chaitanya, Prakash and Chandana were on par with each other.
Among the concentrations, 0.5% of KNO3 registered maximum mean

seedling length (25.2) while 0.1% had minimum seedling length (25).

4.3.2.3 Vigour index

There was a significant difference among the genotypes,

treatments and their interactions for vigour index. Highest vigour index

was observed in Sonamahsuri (2101). While seedling vigour index was

lowest in Purnendu (419). The general means were 1353, 1393 and 1414

at 0.1, 0.2 and 0.5% concentrations, respectively (Table 4.7).

4.3.3 GA3

4.3.3.1 Germination (%)

The genotypes, treatments and their interactions showed

significant variation for germination. The maximum mean germination

was recorded in RNR 4044 (89). Whereas, minimum germination was

observed in Purnendu (45). Among the treatments, 500 ppm recorded

maximum germination (76) whereas, 100 ppm recorded minimum

germination (74).Among the chemical treatments, 500 ppm GA3 had

shown maximum mean germination (Fig 4.4).

4.3.3.2 Seedling length (cm)

The genotypes, treatments and their interactions had shown

significant variation with respect to seedling length. Bharani produced

maximum seedling growth response (31.4). While TKM 10 and Vijetha

showed minimum seedling growth response (20.2) which was on par

with TKM 9 (20.3). GA3 @ 500 ppm recorded maximum seedling

length (26.5) which was on par with 250 ppm (26.5) and 100 ppm

(25.6).Among the chemical treatments, 500 ppm GA3 expressed

maximum mean seedling length (Fig 4.5).

4.3.3.3 Vigour index

A significant variation was observed among the genotypes,

treatments and their interactions for vigour index. The maximum mean

vigour index was recorded in Bharani (2657) and the minimum in

Purnendu (930). Among the concentrations GA3 @ 500 ppm recorded

highest vigour index (2007) whereas, 100 ppm recorded lowest (1949).

Among chemical treatments, 500 ppm GA3 had maximum mean vigour

index. (Fig 4.6).

4.3.4 NAA

4.3.4.1 Germination (%)

The data indicated that there was a significant variation among

the genotypes, treatments and their interactions for germination

(Table 4.5). The highest germination was recorded in Tellahamsa at all

the concentrations i.e. 71 (25 ppm), 80 (50 ppm) and 80 (100 ppm) and

the lowest germination was recorded in Purnendu i.e. 17 (25 ppm), 15

(50 ppm) and 18 (100 ppm) respectively. Among the treatments, NAA
100 ppm had maximum germination (54) which was on par with NAA

50 ppm (53) whereas, NAA 25 ppm recorded minimum germination

(51).

4.3.4.2 Seedling length (cm)

There was a significant variation among the genotypes,

treatments and their interactions for seedling length (Table 4.6). Among

all the genotypes, the maximum seedling length was found in

Mandyavijaya at all the concentrations i.e. 29.9 (25 ppm and 100 ppm)

and 29.8 (50 ppm) while, the minimum was recorded in Jitendra i.e. 19.4

(25 ppm), 19.2 (50 ppm) and 20.7 (100 ppm). Among the

concentrations, 100 ppm of NAA gave the maximum seedling length

(26.5) and the minimum was recorded in both 25 and 50 ppm of

NAA (25.0).

4.3.4.3 Vigour index

The analysis of variance had shown significant differences

among the genotypes, treatments and their interactions for vigour index.

The data (Table 4.7) revealed that among the genotypes, Tellahamsa

recorded highest vigour index at all the concentrations i.e. 2095

(25 ppm), 2320 (50 ppm) and 2320 (100 ppm) and the lowest was

recorded in TKM 10 i.e 407 (25 ppm) 440 (50 ppm) and 503 (100 ppm).

Among the treatments 100 ppm NAA had the maximum vigour index

(1374) and the minimum was recorded in 25 ppm (1332).

4.3.5 Etherel

4.3.5.1 Germination (%)

Significant variation was noticed among the genotypes,

treatments and their interactions for germination. Out of fifty one

genotypes, the highest germination was observed in Tellahamsa for all

the concentrations i.e. 74 (25 ppm), 75 (50 ppm) and 77 (100 ppm) and

the lowest was recorded in Deepti i.e. 20 (25 ppm), 22 (50 ppm) and 23

(100 ppm). Among the treatments, 100 ppm had maximum mean

germination (49) whereas, minimum with 25 ppm (46) (Table 4.5).

4.3.5.2 Seedling length (cm)

There was a significant variation among the genotypes,

treatments and their interaction for seedling length. The maximum

seedling length was produced in Mandyavijaya (29.8) and the minimum

seedling length in Jitendra (19.4). Among the concentrations, maximum

seedling length (29.8) value was produced with etherel 100 ppm, while

the seedling lengths recorded at the other two concentrations were

equal (24.8).

4.3.5.3 Vigour index

Significant variation was found among the genotypes, treatments

and their interactions for vigour index. The highest mean vigour index

was recorded on Tellahamsa (2175) and the lowest in Purnendu (324).

Among the etherel treatments, maximum vigour index was recorded in

100 ppm (1232) followed by 50 ppm (1199) and 25 ppm (1162)

(Table 4.7).

4.4 Days to 50% flowering

The genotypes had shown significant variation for days to 50%

flowering. The number of days required for 50% flowering in all the

genotypes ranged from 45 to 160 days with a general mean of 101 days,

Out of the fifty one genotypes, ten genotypes (Heera, TKM 9, Rudrama,

Ravi, Maruterusannalu, Rajendra, Satya, IR 30864, Tellahamsa and

Govind) were found to be early, 22 genotypes were classified as

medium and the remaining nineteen genotypes as late. The maximum

days to 50% flowering was recorded in Purnendu 160 days and the

minimum was in Heera (45 days) (Table 4.8).

4.5 Days to physiological maturity

All the genotypes showed significant variation for this trait

(Table 4.8). The physiological maturity in all the genotypes ranged from

75 to 192 days with a general mean of 131.5 days. One genotype was

classified as early (< 90 days), seventeen as medium (90 – 120 days) and

remaining thirty three as late ( > 120 days) for days to physiological

maturity. The maximum days to physiological maturity was recorded in

Purnendu (192 days) and the minimum in Heera (75 days).

4.6 Days to harvest

Significant variation was observed among the genotypes for this

trait. Only one genotype (Heera) was classified as early ( < 100 days),

eleven as medium (100–120 days) and rest thirty nine as late

(> 120 days) for days to harvest. Days to harvest varied from 80 – 199

days. The general mean was 139 days (Table 4.8). The maximum days

to harvest was recorded in Purnendu (199 days) and minimum days to

harvest was recorded in Heera (80 days).

4.7 1000 seed weight (g)

There was a significant variation among the genotypes for 1000

seed weight (Table 4.8). 1000 seed weight in all the genotypes ranged

from 14.22 to 28.53 g with a general mean of 19.92 g. The maximum

seed weight was recorded in Jitendra (28.53 g) and minimum was found

in Sambamahsuri (12.63 g).

4.9 Seed Shape

Out of fifty one genotypes, two were round (Rudrama and

MTU 9993), two were half spindle (Srikakulam Sannalu, and

TKM 10), six were very spindle (Erramallelu, Shiva, Tellahamsa,

Jitendra, Nagarjuna and sumati), twenty showed spindle and the

remaining twenty one genotypes were semiround (Table 4.8).

4.10 Seed colour

Among the fifty one genotypes, twenty five were classified as

golden yellow, eleven were yellow, one as Brown (Heera), and rest of

eleven genotypes under yellowish brown (Table 4.8).

4.11 Seed length (mm)

Significant variation was observed among the genotypes for this

trait (Table 4.8). Seed length in all the genotypes ranged from

7.00 – 11.00 mm with a general mean of 8.61 mm. Out of fifty one

genotypes, five were with long grain (Govind, Erramallelu, PMK 2,

Shiva and Jitendra), one genotype as very long (Sumati), sixteen

genotypes under short grain length and the remaining twenty nine

genotypes under medium length of grain.

4.12 Seed breadth (mm)

The genotypes had shown significant variation for seed breadth

(Table 4.8). Among the genotypes seed breadth was ranged from 2.10 to

3.27 with a general mean of 2.55. Four genotypes were classified as

medium (Krishnahamsa, Govind, Erramallelu and Maruteru Sannalu),

twelve genotypes as broad and the rest of thirty five were calssified

under very broad.

4.13 Length and breadth ratio of Kernel

The perusal of the data (Table-4.8) showed significant variation

among the genotypes for length and breadth ratio. Length and breadth

ratio ranged from 2.28 to 5.15 with a general mean of 3.45. Out of fifty

one genotypes thirty eight genotypes as long slender, remaining thirteen

genotypes were classified as long bold.

4.14 Correlation between morpho-physiological traits and

dormancy

The estimation of correlation between morpho-physiological

traits and dormancy is furnished in table 4.9.

4.14.1 Days to 50% flowering

The days to 50% flowering had significant positive correlation

with days to physiological maturity (0.9028) and days to harvest

(0.9187) and significant negative association with 1000 seed weight

(-0.3499). While it had non-significant negative association with length,

breadth and L/B ratio and positive non-significant association with

dormancy duration.
4.14.2 Days to physiological maturity

The character had significant positive association with days to

50% flowering (0.9028) and days to harvest (0.9915). It exhibited non –

significant negative association with 1000 seed weight length, breadth

and L/B ratio and non-significant positive correlation with dormancy

duration.

4.14.3 Days to harvest

The character showed significant positive association with days

to 50% flowering (0.9187) and days to physiological maturity (0.9915).

While dormancy duration showed non significant positive correlation, it

had non significant negative association with 1000 seed weight, length,

breadth and L/B ratio.

4.14.4 1000 seed weight

It was observed that there was significant negative correlation

with days to 50% flowering (-0.3499) and significant positive

correlation with length (0.4447) and breadth (0.3671). It had non

significant positive association with L/B ratio, dormancy duration. Non

significant negative association with days to physiological maturity and

days to harvest.
4.14.5 Length

The seed length had significant positive association with 1000

seed weight (0.4447) and L/B ratio (0.8601), and significant negative

association with breadth (-0.3799). It showed non significant negative

correlation with dormancy duration, days to 50% flowering, days to

physiological maturity and days to harvest.

4.14.6 Breadth

The seed breadth had significant positive association with 1000

seed weight (0.3671) while significant negative correlation with length

(-0.3799) and L/B ratio (-0.7843). It had non significant positive

correlation with dormancy duration and non significant negative

correlation with days to 50% flowering, days to physiological maturity

and days to harvest.

4.14.7 L/B ratio

The character had significant positive correlation with length

(0.8601) and significant negative correlation with breadth (-0. 7843) and

dormancy duration (-0.2958). While it showed positive non significant

correlation with length and 1000 seed weight. It had negative non

significant correlation with days to 50% flowering, days to physiological

maturity and days to harvest.

4.14.8 Dormancy duration

It had significant negative correlation with L/B ratio (-0.2958)

while it had non significant correlation with days to 50% flowering,

days to physiological maturity and days to harvest, 1000 seed weight

and breadth and negative non significant correlation with seed length.
Table 1 : Germination percentage (chemical treatments)

Genotypes HNO3 KNO3 GA3 NAA Etherel Control Mean

0.10% 0.20 0.30% 0.10% 0.20% 0.50% 100 200 500 25 50 100 25 50 100
ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm
Shiva 44.67 51.67 51.00 4.67 2.67 1.00 48.33 56.67 59.00 47.33 49.00 47.00 43.00 50.00 51.00 22.67 39.35
(41.94) (45.96) (45.57) (12.28) (8.93) (4.62) (44.04) (48.84) (50.19) (43.47) (44.43) (43.27) (40.97) (45.00) (45.57) (28.39) (37.09)
Sayanasamba 84.33 85.00 88.67 38.00 48.00 40.33 98.00 98.00 97.33 43.67 55.00 61.33 82.67 82.67 85.33 51.33 71.23
(66.75) (67.24) (70.35) (38.04) (43.85) (39.41) (82.05) (82.05) (81.07) (41.35) (47.88) (51.55) (65.43) (65.45) (67.50) (45.77) (59.73)
IR 40750 R 65.00 55.33 68.67 5.00 10.00 22.00 67.00 85.33 80.00 63.33 71.33 73.33 64.00 65.33 66.67 39.00 56.33
(53.75) (48.07) (55.97) (12.75) (18.30) (27.94) (54.94) (67.50) (63.45) (52.74) (57.65) (58.92) (53.13) (53.96) (54.75) (38.63) (48.28)
Jitendra 30.67 37.67 38.67 4.33 2.67 4.00 24.67 52.33 34.33 32.00 34.67 39.33 29.67 27.67 33.33 16.67 27.67
(33.62) (37.85) (38.44) (11.24) (7.63) (11.48) (29.74) (46.34) (34.43) (34.43) (36.04) (38.84) (31.71) (31.71) (35.23) (24.04) (30.34)
Chandan 95.67 97.33 91.33 95.00 95.67 94.33 94.33 95.67 97.33 98.00 94.00 94.67 93.67 93.67 95.67 51.67 92.31
(78.94) (81.07) (81.07) (77.51) (78.67) (76.37) (76.37) (78.26) (81.07) (82.05) (76.22) (77.30) (75.70) (75.47) (78.26) (45.96) (75.69)
Kavya 71.00 79.33 83.33 13.33 18.00 32.33 78.33 95.00 86.67 38.33 45.00 50.67 78.00 80.00 83.33 47.67 61.27
(57.43) (62.97) (65.92) (21.40) (25.08) (34.60) (62.29) (77.51) (68.60) (38.25) (42.13) (45.38) (62.05) (63.48) (65.93) (43.66) (52.29)
Nagarjuna 95.67 85.33 93.67 39.33 50.33 36.67 89.33 93.67 96.67 57.67 64.67 71.33 64.00 74.67 75.67 28.00 69.79
(78.26) (67.50) (75.61) (38.84) (45.19) (37.26) (70.97) (75.49) (79.66) (49.42) (53.55) (57.63) (53.15) (59.84) (60.46) (31.93) (58.42)
RNR 18833 94.67 86.33 85.00 47.33 78.67 62.33 96.33 96.00 87.00 80.67 76.67 81.00 84.33 82.67 86.33 47.67 79.56
(77.50) (68.36) (67.24) (43.47) (62.52) (79.14) (79.14) (78.52) (68.95) (63.97) (61.13) (64.17) (66.75) (65.45) (68.36) (43.66) (64.46)
KMR 3R 18.00 22.67 22.23 3.33 2.00 2.67 15.33 23.00 20.67 21.00 23.00 27.00 18.33 11.00 16.33 8.00 15.92
(25.08) (28.42) (28.20) (10.34) (6.22) (6.22) (22.97) (28.64) (27.02) (27.26) (28.63) (31.30) (25.34) (19.36) (23.77) (16.35) (22.36)
IR 64 44.33 56.67 59.67 16.33 11.33 16.67 81.33 75.00 78.00 44.67 51.00 53.00 60.67 53.00 26.00 26.00 48.60
(41.72) (48.85) (50.58) (23.81) (19.56) (24.04) (64.47) (60.05) (62.08) (41.93) (45.57) (48.72) (51.16) (46.72) (30.64) (30.64) (43.93)
TMU 1001 50.67 59.67 63.00 3.00 6.33 3.33 45.00 69.00 70.00 62.67 70.00 63.33 48.67 52.33 58.67 28.00 47.10
(45.38) (50.58) (52.54) (9.54) (14.51) (10.34) (42.12) (56.17) (56.80) (52.34) (56.80) (52.74) (44.24) (46.34) (49.99) (31.93) (42.02)
BPT 5204 96.00 98.00 96.67 83.33 81.00 91.00 95.00 93.33 96.67 75.00 79.00 44.33 94.00 96.33 93.00 54.00 85.42
(78.52) (82.05) (79.66) (65.93) (64.18) (72.56) (77.12) (75.10) (60.05) (60.05) (62.78) (41.74) (75.85) (79.14) (74.76) (47.30) (59.78)
TKM 10 30.33 38.00 27.33 31.00 31.33 27.67 56.00 62.00 53.00 15.33 12.33 12.67 22.67 28.00 29.33 12.33 30.58
(33.41) (38.05) (31.51) (33.81) (34.02) (31.68) (48.45) (51.95) (46.73) (23.04) (20.46) (20.81) (28.41) (31.94) (32.78) (20.54) (32.97)
RGL 2537 71.67 78.00 73.33 28.33 37.67 32.00 57.67 56.00 59.33 15.33 26.67 35.00 37.67 62.33 53.67 21.67 46.65
(57.86) (62.05) (58.92) (32.13) (37.85) (34.42) (49.41) (48.45) (50.39) (23.01) (31.08) (36.25) (31.08) (52.15) (47.16) (27.71) (42.92)
ADT (R) 46 91.00 96.67 83.00 78.67 83.67 84.00 94.00 98.33 96.00 79.67 71.33 65.00 84.00 79.00 78.33 48.00 81.92
(72.61) (79.66) (65.67) (62.52) (66.18) (66.43) (75.95) (83.97) (78.52) (63.21) (57.65) (53.75) (66.43) (62.73) (62.27) (43.85) (66.34)
Purnendu 50.33 24.67 25.33 9.00 9.33 11.67 43.00 44.33 47.33 7.00 4.67 8.00 9.67 11.67 3.33 2.00 19.46
(45.19) (29.77) (30.21) (17.21) (17.72) (19.83) (40.97) (41.74) (43.47) (15.14) (12.13) (16.35) (17.94) (19.75) (10.34) (7.95) (24.11)
BPT 3291 81.33 97.00 97.67 74.67 73.33 91.67 96.67 98.00 96.33 35.33 40.67 38.67 96.00 97.00 90.33 24.33 76.81
(64.41) (80.46) (82.98) (59.99) (58.99) (73.26) (79.66) (83.78) (79.14) (36.46) (39.61) (38.43) (78.52) (80.12) (71.92) (29.53) (64.82)
Matereological data during crop growth period

Week Temperature Relative Humidity Rainfall Rainy Sun

after (°C) (%) (mm) days shine
sowing Max Min Morning Evening (h)
1 38.1 25.0 70 32 18.4 2 9.1
2 36.2 23.2 81 43 49.4 3 7.3
3 35.4 25.1 75 44 0.0 0 6.6
4 32.3 23.1 81 62 33.8 2 3.4
5 31.8 23.1 77 51 11.3 2 6.1
6 33.9 23.8 71 42 9.3 1 8.4
7 34.8 24.2 71 39 16.2 2 7.2
8 30.7 22.4 78 61 41.6 3 3.4
9 31.3 21.9 85 61 48.2 3 6.3
10 31.8 23.2 85 70 10.8 2 4.4
11 27.6 21.1 91 76 95.4 5 1.0
12 29.7 22.1 85 62 8.6 2 3.8
13 28.5 21.7 88 71 35.2 2 3.9
14 30.7 22.4 83 66 7.6 1 6.6
15 30.2 21.6 88 61 17.4 3 6.8
16 32.6 21.0 83 46 0.0 0 8.9
17 33.5 22.0 83 55 0.0 0 6.9
18 34.2 21.1 76 60 0.0 0 7.7
19 35.6 20.4 77 47 0.2 0 9.4
20 32.0 22.5 88 59 84.0 3 6.2
21 30.3 20.0 94 53 74.8 3 5.9
22 31.2 18.3 87 38 0.0 0 8.0
23 30.2 15.9 78 33 0.0 0 7.9
24 30.7 16.4 82 40 0.0 0 7.8
25 29.9 15.0 86 37 0.0 0 7.7
26 29.7 12.0 81 30 0.0 0 8.8
27 31.4 11.4 82 26 0.0 0 9.2
28 29.6 13.2 88 35 0.0 0 7.1
 80

70
Mean germination percentage

60

50

40

30

20

10

0
0.1 0.2 0.3 0.1 0.2 0.5 100 250 500 25 50 100 25 50 100

HNO3 (%) KNO3 (%) GA3 (ppm) NAA (ppm) Etherel (ppm)
Chemical Treatments

Fig 4.4 : Effect of chemical methods on germination (%)

 27

26.5

26

25.5
Mean seedlng length

25

24.5

24

23.5

23

22.5
0.1 0.2 0.3 0.1 0.2 0.5 100 250 500 25 50 100 25 50 100

HNO3 (%) KNO3 (%) GA3 (ppm) NAA (ppm) Etherel (ppm)
Chemical treatments

Fig 4.5 : Effect of chemical methods on seedling length (cm)

 2500

2000
Mean vigour index

1500

1000

500

0
0.1 0.2 0.3 0.1 0.2 0.5 100 250 500 25 50 100 25 50 100

HNO3 (%) KNO3 (%) GA3 (ppm) NAA (ppm) Etherel (ppm)
Chemical treatments

Fig 4. 6 : Effect of chemical methods on vigour index

 70

60
Mean germination percentage

50

40

30

20

10

0
6 12 24 6 12 24 6 12 24

Pre-Wash Treatment (h) Pre-heat treatment (h) Pre-Chilling treatment (h)

Physical treatments

Fig 4. 1 : Effect of physical methods on germination (%)

 25.05

25

24.95

24.9
Mean seedling length

24.85

24.8

24.75

24.7

24.65

24.6

24.55
6 12 24 6 12 24 6 12 24

Pre-Wash Treatment (h) Pre-heat treatment (h) Pre-Chilling treatment (h)

Physical treatments
Fig 4.2 : Effect of physical methods on seedling length (cm)
 1800

1600

1400

1200
Mean vigour index

1000

800

600

400

200

0
6 12 24 6 12 24 6 12 24

Pre-Wash Treatment (h) Pre-heat treatment (h) Pre-Chilling treatment (h)

Physical treatments

Fig 4. 3 : Effect of physical methods on vigour index

 CHAPTER – V

DISCUSSION

Seed dormancy is an important character of study in rice

varieties, where rains often occur at the time of harvest. Non dormant

cultivars frequently germinate in situ on the standing crop or on the

threshing floor where unthreshed produce is kept for a few days. On the

other hand, dormancy offers a set back to plant breeders who would like

to grow plant generations in rapid succession. It also impedes seed

testing work, as the results of planting value of seed cannot be assessed

quickly in case of cultivars which have dormancy. Seed dormancy in

rice poses a problem to the seed analysts because dormant seeds fail to

germinate when put for the germination test. The present investigation

was undertaken with fifty one genotypes of rice in order to find out

dormancy duration in each genotype and its breaking methods and

relationship of morpho-physiological characters with dormancy. The

results obtained from the investigation are briefly discussed below.

The significance of seed dormancy lies in the ability of the seed

to overcome the unfavourable conditions so as to remain viable till the

commencement of favourable environment. Seed dormancy is a state in

which seeds fail to germinate even under favourable conditions of

moisture, temperature and oxygen for germination (Wareing, 1963).

 In the present investigation, the seeds of 51 rice varieties

harvested during kharif, 2002 exhibited variation in dormancy duration

ranging from 0 – 42 days. The variety Vijetha recorded a seed dormancy

of 42 days followed by Deepti with a dormancy of 35 days and a few

more varieties viz., Chaitanya, Krishnaveni, Satya and IR 64 had a

dormancy more than 21 days. Most of the other varieties recorded

dormancy from 0 – 2 weeks after harvest.

The variation in seed dormancy among the rice cultivars was

earlier reported by several workers. (Chang and Yen, 1969;

Panchaksharaiah et al., 1976; Agrawal, 1981; Siddique et al., 1988 and

Seshu and Dadlani, 1991). Amen (1963) had defined dormancy as an

endogenously controlled but environmentally imposed temporary

suspension of growth independent of ambient environmental conditions.

Agro-climactic conditions under which the mother plants are

grown and harvested may influence the state of dormancy of the seeds.

The intensity of dormancy depends on many factors, including the

species and variety, the year, place and time of harvest and the stage of

development of seeds (Lenoir, 1983 and Come et al., 1984). Cold and

rainy weather during the season and early harvest prevents the seed

germination for very long time (Ovcharov, 1977).

Although much is known about maintenance of dormancy

and some of the mechanisms operated in its termination, there is an

incomplete picture of the inception of dormancy. Several physiological

mechanisms are operative in both primary and secondary dormancy of

seeds.

The variation in dormancy in rice genotypes may be due to

genetic make up of the seed (Chang and Tagumpay, 1973 and Agrawal,

1981) influence of the environment on the expression of the genetic

capabilities (Maguire, 1976) the impermeability of seed coat to water

and the balance between the presence of germination inhibitors and

promoters in the seed (Hayashi and Himeno, 1974) and structural

features such as hard seededness, silica content, presence of growth

inhibitors (Chlorogenic acid, paraascorbic acid) and mechanical

restriction by seed parts which largely determine the initiation and

progress of the physiological processes that are involved in germination

and seedling emergence. Parija et al. (1940) assumed that the causes of

dormancy of rice seeds lie in the flowering glumes (Lemma and Palea)

which was further confirmed by Akamine (1944).

Under natural conditions, one or more of the factors such as light,

temperature, after ripening and changes in covering structures may

convert a seed from dormant to non-dormant stage. Under laboratory

conditions, many chemicals (Nitrate, thiourea and growth regulators

such as GA3, Etherel etc.) and several other physical treatments like high

O2, temperature, coat aberration by various means can also break the

dormancy (Bewley and Black, 1982). Lot of efforts have been made to

overcome seed dormancy in rice in the past. Roberts and Smith (1977)

provided a list of 22 treatments which bring about loss of seed dormancy

in 135 graminaceous species. Ellis et al. (1983) suggested long list of

treatments to reduce seed dormancy in rice.

In the present study, the seeds were treated with physical methods

such as pre-wash, pre-heat and pre-chilling for breaking seed dormancy.

The various pre-treatments had different effects on germination

in different varieties. Untreated seed generally showed low germination

indicating initial poor germination energy, which shows that pre-

treatments are required to overcome dormancy and improve

germination. The pre-heat treatment at 40°C for 24 h recorded

maximum mean germination (65 %) as against 36% in control. The

genotypes Heera, Annada and IR 30864 had responded very well with

40% increase in the germination compared to control. Pre-heat treatment

for 12 h also performed better (64 %) than the control. This confirms the

finding of Jalote and Vaish (1976). This increased germination may be

due to mechanical disturbances in the seed coverings and leaching of the

inhibitors from the seed (Sikder, 1967).

Pre-chilling treatments at 5°C for 24 h had recorded highest mean

germination of 48% as against 36% in control. Similar findings were

reported by Hunka (1968) in sunflower, Matus-Cadiz et al. (2001) in

canary grass.

Pre-wash treatment under running tap water for 24 h was slightly

effective with only 1% increase in the mean germination over control.

Pre-wash treatments for short duration of 6 h and 12 h were not effective

in breaking the seed dormancy as there was no improvement in mean

germination over control. Similar findings were reported by Delouche

and Nguyen, 1964; Yasue, 1973 and Patil and Zode, 1990.

Dormant seeds do not germinate though they are viable. These

seeds have to be treated with different chemicals in order to make them

germinate either for sowing or seed testing purposes. In the present

study, five chemicals viz., HNO3, KNO3, GA3, NAA and Etherel were

employed at different concentrations to break the dormancy.

Among the chemical treatments, GA3 500 ppm recorded

maximum mean germination of 76% as against 36% in control. GA3 250

ppm and 100 ppm also performed significantly better than the rest of the

chemicals in breaking the dormancy. The superior performance of GA3

in breaking seed dormancy in rice was reported earlier by Gasper et al.,

1975; Naredo et al., 1998 and Asborno et al., 1999. In the present study,

the germination was improved to above seed certification standard

(80%) in twenty four genotypes with GA3. The efficacy of GA3 in

breaking seed dormancy was reported by several workers (Roberts and

Smith, 1977; Asborno, 1999 and Gowda et al., 2003). The germination

in all the genotypes increased significantly corroborating the findings of

Wareing and Saunders (1971) and Amen (1978) that antagonism

between growth promoters (gibberellins) and naturally occurring

germination inhibitors exist in seed germination and application of

gibberllin interacts with growth inihibitors in dormant seeds (Wareing et

al., 1973). Therefore, dormancy in rice seeds seems to be controlled by

the balance between inhibitors and promoters and the exogenous

application of gibberellic acid shifts the balance towards promoter side

thereby releasing dormancy.

Though the treatment with HNO3 and other chemicals KNO3 and

NAA and Etherel improved the mean germination over control, it was

far below the minimum seed certification standard (80%). The effect of

HNO3 in breaking rice seed dormancy was reported by Subramoney and

Abraham (1969) and Agrawal and Nanda (1969). The evidence of both

stimulatory and inhibitory effect of HNO3 was provided by Ellis et al.

(1983). They also reported that HNO3 was the promising treatment for

breaking dormancy in rice. The significant improvement in germination

by acid treatments in rice may be due to the action of the acid in

softening the glumes and increasing the permeability to air

(Sikder, 1967).

Further, the differential response of cultivars to chemical and

physical treatments in breaking seed dormancy suggests that the

mechanism of rice seed dormancy is not only due to gaseous exchange

imposed by pericarp seed coat complex but may be due to the presence

of germination inhibitors in the seed coat, the amount of which vary

from cultivar to cultivar leading to differential response (Patil and Zode,

1990).

In the present study, the seedling vigour as reflected through

seedling length and vigour index also increased due to GA3 over all the
other chemical treatments. Asborno et al. (1999) reported that GA3

increased the coleoptile elongation and field emergence whereas, Taegsu

and Byunwoo (2000) found mesocotyl elongation with the application

of GA3 @ 500 ppm in rice. Omkarsingh and Kumar (1999) observed

that GA3 increased germination, speed of germination and field

emergence index in pigeon pea. Application of GA3 has shown to cause

increase in RNA and DNA synthesis in isolated nuclei from dwarf peas

(Johri and Varner, 1968). In all these chemicals only higher

concentrations recorded better germination.

Dormancy duration had no relationship with days to 50%

flowering, days to physiological maturity, days to harvest, moisture

content, 1000 seed weight, seed length and breadth. However, L/B ratio

of the seed had negative significant correlation with dormancy duration.

Similarly, Misra and Misro (1968) indicated that dormancy period had

no relationship on any of the morphological characters. Agrawal (1981)

also reported that crop duration had no influence on seed dormancy. On

the contrary, it was reported that longer duration varieties exhibited a

longer dormancy period when compared to early and medium duration

varieties (Ramaiah and Rao, 1953; Jalote and Vaish, 1976 and Dighe

and Patil, 1985).

 CHAPTER - VI

SUMMARY

The present investigation was carried out to assess the seed

dormancy duration and to study the efficacy of different physical and

chemical methods to break the dormancy in 51 rice genotypes. The

laboratory studies were conducted in the Department of Seed Science

and Technology, College of Agriculture, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad and

the field studies in the seed production area of National Seed Project,

Rajendranagar, Hyderabad during kharif, 2002. Seeds of fifty one rice

genotypes were collected from the different rice research stations of

ICAR and State Agricultural Universities. The field experiment was

conducted in randomized block design with four replications and

laboratory studies were statistically analyzed by complete randomized

factorial design. Dormancy duration was estimated by keeping the seeds

for germination test regularly at weekly intervals until all the varieties

recorded germination above minimum seed certification standard (80%).

Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among the

genotypes for all the characters. The dormancy duration of the

genotypes ranged from 0 – 42 days. Vijetha had a maximum dormancy

duration (42 days) whereas, the varieties Tellahamsa, Shiva,

Erramallelu, Keshava, Kavya, KMR 3R and Phalguna had no dormancy.

This variation in dormancy was attributed to genetic make up of the

seed, influence of the environment on the expression of the genetic

capabilities, impermeability of seed coat to water and the balance

between the germination inhibitors and promoters in the seed.

Among the different physical treatments employed for breaking

the seed dormancy, pre-heat at 40°C for 24 h was most effective for

breaking dormancy followed by pre-heat for 12 h and 6 h. This might be

due to mechanical disturbances in the seed coverings and leaching of the

inhibitors from the seed. Among the chemical methods, GA3 500 ppm

was found most effective to break the dormancy followed by 250 and

100 ppm. This might be due to shifts in the balance between promoters

and inhibitors towards promoter side thereby releasing the dormancy.

Germination differences among the cultivars were significant indicating

differential response of the cultivars to the treatments applied.

L/B ratio of the seed exhibited negative correlation with

dormancy duration, while the remaining morpho-physiological

characters like days to 50% flowering, days to physiological maturity,

days to harvest, 1000 seed weight, seed length and breadth had no

relationship with dormancy duration.

Conclusion

Vijetha was found to have maximum dormancy duration (42

days) followed by Deepti (35 days). Krishnaveni, Chaitanya, IR 64 and

Satya exhibited dormancy upto 28 days.

 Varieties having short dormancy periods of 2 – 3 weeks would

be helpful in overcoming the sprouting problems encountered during pre

and post harvest periods. Hence, it is essential either to maintain a time

lag for sowing or to follow suitable methods of breaking the dormancy

to get satisfactory germination in the varieties having longer seed

dormancy.

Among the physico-chemical treatments, GA3 500 ppm, pre-heat

treatment at 40°C and HNO3 0.3% were effective to break the dormancy

and improve the germination above minimum seed certification standard

(80%). The improvement in germination by these methods was due to

decreased abnormal seedlings and fresh ungerminated seeds. Among

these treatments GA3 and HNO3 was found very effective particularly

for increasing dormancy in strong dormant varieties. Eventhough, the

effectiveness of GA3 as a chemical, is well documented for breaking

dormancy, Indian resource poor farmers cannot afford to purchase the

chemical due to its high cost. Hence, pre-heat treatment at 40°C would

be the best alternative for breaking dormancy in freshly harvested seed

of weak and moderately dormant rice genotypes.

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