Effect of pre-soaking on germination, growth and yield of first crop (drysown) rice varieties of Onattukara

Abstract

The effect of pre-soaking and irrigation on germination, seedling mortality, growth and yield of 1st crop rice varieties of Onattukara where drought exists during the early part of the 1st crop season was studied. Soil moisture had a positive influence on germination. The prevailing temperature had no significant influence on germination and seedling mortality. Irrigation significantly improved germination percentage, seedling survival, plant height, tiller production,LAI, plant dry weight, number of fully filled grains and 1000 grain weight indicating the existence of drought during the 1st crop season. Seed treatment significantly increased germination percentage, seedling survival, tiller production, LAI,, plant dry weight, number of fully filled grains, 1000 grain weight and reduced the number of unfilled grains. Thus it is found that the hardening treatment endowed the plants with the ability to withstand drought. Among the varieties Jaya was found to be superior in tiller formation, LAI, number of panicles/hill* number of fully filled grains/ hill and 1000 grain weight. It can be considered as a suitable variety for the 1st crop season in Onattukara.