Evaluation of the red rice imbibition time under different fertilizing sources

Red rice is considered the predominant weed species in rice fields, causing significant economic losses to producers. The objective of this study was to evaluate the behavior of red rice seeds during the soaking of seeds in water, as well as the development of plants under two fertilization sources (NPK and complete nutrient solution). Seeds were subjected to different soaking durations in water: 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 minutes. After four days of germination, the seedlings were divided into two treatment groups: (i) plants fertilized with NPK and (ii) plants fertilized with complete nutrient solution. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design, evaluating the variables: germination, number of leaves, plant height and dry matter accumulation. A significant increase in germination percentage, number of leaves, plant height and dry matter accumulation in both the aerial part and roots was observed with longer seed soaking durations. This effect was more expressive in red rice plants fertilized with the complete nutritive solution. Thus, we conclude that this fertilizer source enhances the competitive ability of this weed species against cultivated rice.