Postharvest seed dormancy in local rice varieties

A. S. Halimathul Saadiah

Abstract

The presence and duration of dormancy in several local rice varieties from two locations namely Alor Setar and Parit were determined. Masria had the shortest dormancy period (4.5 and 13.0 days) while the longest dormancy period was found h Bahagia (70.5 and 83 days). The duration of dormancy differed between the two locations, ranging from 1.7 o 65 days for any one variery, possibly due to climatic factors. During seed maturation and harvest, there was a difference of more than 300 mm in total rainfall received between the two locations. The effects of heat treatment (50°C) over three different durations on the germination of dormant seed of the variety Seberang were also studied. Exposure to heat (50°C) for 96 h shortened the dormancy period in Seberang variety by 7 weeks.

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