Abstract

Author:
Susma Adhikari, Arati Chapai, Kiran Prasad Upadhayaya

Doi: 10.26480/trab.02.2024.98.100

This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License CC BY 4.0, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited

Rice (Oryza sativa) is one of the main staple food of Nepal. It is widely grown in about 50% of the total agricultural land of Nepal (International Rice Commission Newsletter.Html, n.d.). In 2020, Rice production for Nepal was 5.55 million tonnes. Rice production of Nepal was improved from 2.34 million tonnes in 1971 to 5.55 million tonnes in 2020 growing at an average annual rate of 2.72% (Nepal Rice, Paddy Production, 1961-2021.Pdf, n.d.). So, it is important to value rice and protect it from various hazards. Their quality seed production and conservation are necessary to sustain future food security. Rice seeds are major vector of plant propagation and is a critical development stage with many specifications (Rajjou and Debeaujon, 2008). Seed coat is a major factor for seed protection as it is the primary defense against adverse environment conditions. Seed coat protects the seed from hydration stress and electrolyte leakage during the germination period (Mohamed-Yasseen et al., n.d.). Similarly, seed treatment is also a yield limiting and seed protecting factor in Nepalese condition as disease is mainly transmitted through seeds (Amgai et al., 2012). Moisture maintenance, harvesting techniques, temperature and humidity regulation are also quite needed for seed protection (Rice Knowledge Bank, n.d.).