Fungal Biopriming: Ophiocordyceps neovolkiana Mycelial Extract Enhances Rice (Oryza sativa L) Seed Germination

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is an important global staple, with promising germination being a pivotal factor for optimum yield and crop establishment. This study investigated the potential of Ophiocordyceps neovolkiana, an entomopathogenic fungus native to Kerala, as a novel biopriming agent to increase rice seed germination. Rice seeds of the Jyothi variety were sterilized and bioprimed by soaking in mycelial extract of O. neovolkiana for 30 minutes. Per cent germination was observed over one week. Results demonstrated a significant increase in germination percentage for seeds treated with the mycelial extract (94%) compared to both the solvent control (79%) and the absolute control (80%). Furthermore, the mycelial extract treatment induced earlier germination (3.25 days) compared to the solvent control (5 days) and the absolute control (4.75 days). These findings align with existing research on various microbial biopriming agents that enhance seed vigor and early seedling development. This study provides convincing evidence that O. neovolkiana mycelial extract is a promising biological tool for improving rice seed germination, offering a sustainable method to boost crop establishment and productivity.