Abstract
The growth habits and paroductivity of stored (5°C, 40% relative humidity) rice seeds with a 90% or higher germination percentage were examined in comparison with those of newly harvested seeds (new seeds), and the cultivars of stored seeds were identified by the random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) method. There was no difference in the characters of the seedlings between the new seeds and the seeds stored for 6∼16 years. On the other hand, there was a positive correlation between the 1000-unhulled grain weight, which varied with the harvest year, and dry weight of the seedings. Among the stored seeds and new seed, no significant differences were observed in the mean heading date, culm and ear lengths, the number of spikelets per panicle and the number of ears per hill. The yield components, grain yield and inspection-grade of the stored (6∼7 or 9∼16 years) seeds were not significantly different to those of the new seeds. An RAPD analysis showed that the band pattern of stored seeds accurately corresponds to that of new seed in each cultivar. We concluded that stored rice seeds with a germination percentage of higher than 90% are practically useful, showing normal growth habits and productivity.
