Analysis of deteriorative changes in seeds of cultivated rice under ambient storage condition

Abstract

Seed deterioration is a serious problem where seeds are usually stored without adequate humidity and temperature control. In the present study storage potential of four different types of cultivated rice varieties viz Mahsuri (HYV), Bokul Bora (Local glutinous rice), Kola Joha(Local Aromatic rice) and Ronga Sali(Local Pigmented rice) has been evaluated under ambient storage condition based on different physiological and biochemical parameters . Effect of packaging material on the storability of the rice seeds was evaluated using three different types of packaging materials viz. Cloth bag, HDPE interwoven bag and HDPE bag (600gauges; 120GSM). The highest seed viability was maintained by seeds stored in HDPE Interwoven bag (100%) by Ronga Sali followed by Bakul Bora(98.22%),Mahshuri(96.55%)and Kon Joha(97.89%) and followed by HDPE bag. Among the tested varieties Kola Joha- an aromatic variety is found to be most sensitive and prone to deterioration. The estimated biochemical parameters indicate gradual changes in all the tested varieties with increase in storage period. Seeds stored in HDPE Interwoven bags had the highest mean α-amylase activity (0.390µg) followed by the seeds stored in HDPE bags (0.362µg) and Cloth bags (0.352µg).Bokul Bora exhibited highest alpha amylase activity after storage of ten months and lowest was observed in Kola Joha indicating higher storage potential of the glutinous variety which is also assayed in the germination percentage and other vigour parameters. Variation in MDA content in tested rice varieties throughout the storage period indicates possibility of genetic factors associated with storability of different types of rice cultivars.