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

Atique-Ur-Rehman, Muhammad Farooq*, Ahmad Nawaz, Saba Iqbal, Abdul Rehman

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

18 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

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 kg -1 seed; while seeds without coating were taken as control. Boron seed coating with 1-2 g B kg -1 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 kg -1 seed in both cultivars. Increasing B concentration beyond 2 g B kg -1 seed was toxic for seeds of both cultivars. In conclusion, rice seeds may be coated with B at 2 g B kg -1 seed to improve the germination and early seedling growth of fine grain aromatic rice.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)453-456
Number of pages4
JournalInternational Journal of Agriculture and Biology
Volume14
Issue number3
Publication statusPublished - 2012
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Boron
  • Germination
  • Rice
  • Seed coating
  • Seedling growth

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Agricultural and Biological Sciences

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