Influence of Seed Treatments with Elicitors on the Emergence and Early Vigor of Hulled and Dehulled Vialone Nano Rice

Rice (Oryza sativa) cultivation is highly relevant for global food security, yet germination may be conditioned by the presence of the rice hull. Using hulled or dehulled rice seeds can affect germination because the hull acts as both a physical barrier and a source of inhibitory compounds. While dehulling may speed germination by improving water and gas exchange and removing allelochemicals, it also increases vulnerability to damage and pathogens. Specific seed treatments can help mitigate these challenges. This study investigated the effects of mechanical dehulling and seed soaking with different elicitors, including hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), Hammada scoparia extracts, and ferrous sulfate, on Vialone Nano rice seed emergence and early vigor. Key findings revealed that dehulled seeds presented better emergence compared to hulled seeds, likely due to the removal of physical barriers and improved water uptake. However, hulled seeds were more responsive to the treatments, showing marked improvements in emergence speed and seedling vigor. The results demonstrate that while dehulling provides a natural advantage, seed treatments with elicitors effectively bridges the performance gap for hulled seeds. These strategies may offer sustainable approaches to improve crop establishment and overall productivity in the local rice farming systems.