Soaking curve and physiological quality of red rice seeds under salt stress

Red rice stands out as a component of the diet of family farmers in the semi-arid Northeast. In this region, the accumulation of salts can occur on the soil surface causing saline stress to the plants. Studies related to salinity during the critical phases of plant development are recommended. Therefore, the objective was to evaluate the effect of salt stress on water uptake and germination of red rice seeds. The experimental design used was entirely randomized. The treatments were four levels of electrical conductivity of water: 1.0 dS/m, 2.0 dS/m, 3.0 dS/m and 4.0 dS/m. The following variables were evaluated: water absorption, humidity, germination percentage, germination speed index, and mean germination time. Salinity decreased the speed of water uptake and provided the lowest water accumulation required for germination of red rice seeds. Salinity increased the germination time of red rice seeds by improving germination performance.