Improved Cultivation and Fortification of The Giant Embryo Brown Rice Cultivar “Koshiguruma”

Abstract

In general, giant embryo rice has a lower germination rate and shows non-uniformity in seedling emergence. We attempted to determine suitable pH and temperature conditions for germinating the giant embryo rice cultivar Koshiguruma, grown in Niigata Prefecture, in combination with red onion extract. We also examined metabolic changes in the grains that could have important human health benefits. Koshiguruma showed a higher germination rate (1.1 times) when germinated with red onion extract for 24 h at 37 °C and contained more gamma aminobutyric acid (1.7 times) than when germinated with water. In addition, germination of Koshiguruma in combination with polyphenols imparted antioxidant capacities. Thus, we have established methods for improved cultivation of giant embryo rice, which may have important human health benefits upon consumption.