The influence of rainfall during the ripening stage on pre-harvest sprouting, seed viability, and seed quality was investigated in two Korean rice cultivars, Shindongjin and Hopum. When the rainfall was artificially treated in a greenhouse, HP started to pre-harvest sprouting at three days of rainfall treatment (DRT), but Shindongjin did not show pre-harvest sprouting at 40 DAH treatment and just 0.3~0.8% at 50 DAH, which was much lower than 15.3~ 25.8% of Hopum in the same treatment. After harvest, the seed germination of Hopum decreased about 10~25% compared to non-treated seeds, but that of Shindongjin decreased much little rate than that of Hopum. The seed longevity tested by accelerated aging decreased with prolonged rainfall period in both cultivars, but the varietal difference was clear; Shindongjin could withstand longer accelerated aging than Hopum. Shindongjin maintained its germination (>50%) ability after 15 days of accelerated aging regardless of the rainfall treatment period and time, but Hopum dropped below 50% germination ability after only 5 days of accelerated aging. In conclusion, rainfall during the ripening stage induced not only pre-harvest sprouting, but also reduced seed quality and longevity during storage, which varied between two cultivars.
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