Comparative Effects of Organic-Based Seed Treatments on Seed Viability and Vigor of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Varieties

Authors

• Cielo Luz C. Mondejar, Department of Agriculture–Philippine Rice Research Institute Negros Branch Station (DA–PhilRice Negros), Cansilayan, Murcia, Negros Occidental (6129), PhilippinesFollow

Publication Date

12-1-2025

Abstract

Access to high-quality rice seeds remains limited for small and marginal farmers due to high costs, while traditional rice varieties favored by many farmers often suffer from poor seed viability. Seed treatment presents a practical and low-cost approach to enhance seed performance. This study conducted 2 independent experiments to evaluate the effectiveness of 3 organic-based seed treatments: vermitea, a Trichoderma solution, and a water hyacinth decoction. In the first experiment, seeds from 4 traditional rice varieties (Redrice, Dinorado, Calatrava, and Arabon) were treated with distilled water (control) and 75% dilute solutions of each treatment. The second experiment involved different seed qualities (mature, immature, and discolored) of 3 inbred rice varieties (NSIC Rc 222, NSIC Rc 216, and PSB Rc 18) using the same treatment concentrations. Each seed quality underwent 4 treatments: a control (distilled water) and three 75% diluted organic solutions. Both experiments were replicated 4 times and arranged in a factorial randomized complete block design (F-RCBD). Parameters measured included germination percentage, plumule length, radicle length, and vigor index. In both experiments, vermitea-treated rice seeds consistently demonstrated the most significant improvement in seed viability and vigor. In traditional varieties, both vermitea and Trichoderma enhanced early growth, particularly by promoting plumule and radicle elongation. In inbred varieties, treatment with vermitea resulted in consistently positive effects on mature and immature seeds, supporting longer shoot and root development and higher vigor indices without compromising germination. These findings highlight vermitea as a promising, organic-based seed treatment for improving rice seed performance, offering a low-cost and accessible solution for enhancing early growth, particularly for traditional and inbred rice varieties.

Recommended Citation

Mondejar, Cielo Luz C. (2025) "Comparative Effects of Organic-Based Seed Treatments on Seed Viability and Vigor of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Varieties," The Philippine Agricultural Scientist: Vol. 108: No. 4, Article 10.
Available at: https://www.ukdr.uplb.edu.ph/pas/vol108/iss4/10