Impact of hydro-priming durations on viability, growth and seed yield of two rice (<i>Oryza sativa</i>) varieties

Rice is one of the world’s main staple crops with nearly 2.5 billion people depending on it for food. However, seed germination becomes very difficult and erratic a short period of time after harvesting. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of hydro-priming durations on germination, growth and seed yield of two rice varieties (Jasmine 85 and Amankwatia). The experimental design was 2x3 factorial arrangement in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. Factor one was two varieties (Amankwantia and Jasmine 85) and factor two was three hydro-priming durations (24 hours, 48 hours and no priming). The study revealed that seeds which were hydro-primed for 24 and 48 hours took shorter days to emerge. Amankwatia variety which was hydro-primed for 24 hours gave the highest germination percentage and vigour index. Highest tiller numbers at week eleven and tallest plants measured at sixth, ninth, tenth and eleventh weeks after sowing were produced by Amakwatia variety which was not hydro-primed. Highest number of leaves at six, eight and nine weeks after sowing as well as number of tillers at weeks ten were produced by Jasmine 85 variety which was hydro- primed for 48 hours. Additionally, highest number of productive panicles and the resultant seed yield were produced by Jasmine 85 variety which were hydro-primed for 48 hours. A relationship analysis showed that there was strong significant and negative correlation between number of productive panicles and unproductive panicles as well as a strong significant and positive correlation between seed yield and productive panicles. Number of productive panicles significantly affected seed yield such that 82% of variation in the seed yield was attributed to the productive panicles. The study concluded that to obtain highest viability, best growth and resultant seed yield, Jasmine 85 variety hydro-primed for 48 hours should be highly considered.