CAN ASCORBIC ACID INDUCE SALT TOLERANCE IN RICE SEEDS AND SEEDLINGS?

Soil salinity is one of the abiotic stresses that affect crops. Therefore, rice seeds are susceptible to this stressor during germination, involving several physiological aspects. This study aimed to evaluate the salt tolerance induced by ascorbic acid in rice seeds and seedlings. The water content of rice seeds was determined, followed by two tests with seeds treated in ascorbic acid solution and dry powder at doses of 0 (control), 10, 20, 30, and 40 mg for 24 hours. Sowing occurred under salt stress conditions (NaCl, -0.6 MPa). Physiological quality was evaluated. The collected data were subjected to analysis of variance. Ascorbic acid doses were compared using a regression analysis, seedling length was examined under a 3x4 factorial scheme (three evaluation times x four doses of ascorbic acid), and times points were correlated using Tukey’s test. The findings indicated that the exogenous application of ascorbic acid implies salt stress tolerance. Ascorbic acid doses lower than 20 mg applied to rice seeds induce salt tolerance during germination and initial seedling development, with better physiological quality for seeds treated in the antioxidant solution.