How to ensure rice seed quality

Seed is the foundation of any rice crop. It must be grown, harvested, and processed correctly for best yield and quality results.

Sowing good quality seeds leads to lower seed rate, better emergence (>70%), more uniformity, less replanting, and vigorous early growth which helps to increase resistance to insects and diseases, and decrease weeds. As a result, yield can increase by 5−20%.

While different countries have different standards for seed quality the following factors are used to classify rice seeds:

Varietal Purity

Good seed is pure, from a single variety.

Varietal purity tests include looking for percentage of (1) germination, (2) other mixed in varieties, (3) weed seeds and other crop seeds, (4) inert material (stones, soil, etc.), (4) red rice seeds, and (5) moisture content.

Seed Viability 

The viability of seed in the field is determined by its germination potential, vigor, and moisture level.

The rate of germination is an indicator of vigor.

Rapid seed germination increases the chance that seed will establish well in the field.

Moisture content

Moisture content is the amount of water in the rice grain.

It influences the life and vigor of the seed. The amount of moisture should be less than 14%, and preferably less than 12% for extended storage times.

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