Effects of pre-germination treatments in overcoming rice seed dormancy and on the enzymatic activity of peroxidase

Abstract

This work was developed under laboratory conditions, at Escola Superior de Agricultura de Lavras, in 1989/90 to evaluate the efficiency of pre-germination treatments in overcoming rice (Oryza sativa L.) seed dormancy, as well as their effects on peroxidase enzyme activity. Irrigated cultivars Inca and MG I, both presenting post-harvest dormancy, were submitted to different treatments prior to germination: 1% sodium hipochlorite; hidrogen peroxide (H₂O₂ - 20 Vol.); accelerated aging 40°C and 100% UR; and pre-drying, in an oven with forced air circulation at different time x temperature combinations. Pre-drying at 40°C for 168 hours presented the best results in overcoming seed dormancy of both cultivars. Pre-drying treatments were also more effective in inhibiting peroxidase activity, especially for cultivar Inca.