Effect of Propionic Acid in the Germination of Rice Genotypes

The objective of this work was to evaluate the germination of 12 rice genotypes under propionic acid stress, a phytotoxic compound produced in low drainage soils with high organic matter content. The tests were conducted with the first count of germination (PCG) and germination (G) of the genotypes subjective to 0, 3, 6, and 9 mM propionic acid concentrations. The seeds of each genotype were placed in germitest paper pre-soaked in treatment solutions forming individual bags. The germination was performed at $25^{\circ}C$ and the counts were carried out at 7 (PCG) and 14 days (G). A factorial random block design was performed with four replications of 50 seeds per genotype. Our study revealed that doses up to 9 mM propionic acid in the pre-soaking solution were efficient for genetic variability studies involving the character germination in rice; genetic variability for germination was detected in the collection of rice genotypes when subjected to propionic acid toxic effects. The genotypes Guichow, Dawn, and Toride-1 showed germination stability when subjected to increasing levels of propionic acid, and genotypes originated from irrigated system-cultivation performed better when subjected to propionic acid stress. These three genotypes will be a good biological material to for enhance the resistance to phytotoxic compounds in rice.