Comparative Efficacy of Microbial Biopriming on Germination Kinetics and Seedling Vigor in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Abstract

A study was undertaken to evaluate the impact of biopriming on seed quality parameters in rice (Oryza sativa L.) variety Uma (MO 16) at the Department of Seed Science and Technology, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara. The experiment employed a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with four replications, encompassing five treatments: Pseudomonas fluorescens (10 g kg⁻¹), coconut water (75%), a combined treatment of P. fluorescens + Trichoderma viride (4 g kg⁻¹) + coconut water (75%), hydropriming (16 hours), and unprimed control. Seed quality traits including germination percentage, root and shoot length, seedling dry weight, and vigor indices I and II were assessed. Significant differences were observed among treatments, indicating the influence of priming on germinative performance and early seedling development. Seeds bioprimed with P. fluorescens, T. viride, and coconut water exhibited the highest germination (94%), root length (17.63 cm), and vigor index I (2189), reflecting synergistic effects of microbial inoculants and bioactive compounds in coconut water. Coconut water priming alone resulted in maximum seedling dry weight (0.175 g) and vigor index II (1612), highlighting its role as a natural growth stimulator. The enhanced seed performance under combined biopriming is attributed to microbial nutrient mobilization and the stimulatory effect of phytohormones and vitamins present in coconut water. This eco-friendly, cost-effective strategy demonstrates potential for improving seed vigour, uniform emergence, and early seedling establishment in rice, providing a sustainable approach for cereal seed management.