Effectiveness Test of KNO₃ Solution Concentration and Soaking Duration on Germination and Viability of Aged Rice Seeds (Oryza sativa L.) of Inpari-32 Variety.

Abstract

Seed viability is an important factor that determines the success of rice cultivation because it affects germination and early seedling growth. Seed deterioration during storage can reduce seed quality and germination ability. One method to improve seed physiological quality is seed invigoration using potassium nitrate (KNO₃). This study aimed to determine the effect of KNO₃ concentration and soaking duration on the germination of rice seeds of the Inpari-32 variety. The research was conducted using a factorial Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with two factors: KNO₃ concentration and soaking duration. The observed parameters included germination percentage, maximum growth potential, vigor index, normal seedlings, abnormal seedlings, and non-germinated seeds. The results showed that the application of KNO₃ had an effect on improving seed germination ability. The appropriate concentration of KNO₃ was able to stimulate metabolic activity in seeds and support better germination. Meanwhile, soaking duration influenced the seed imbibition process which affects the germination process. However, excessively long soaking duration can reduce seed performance due to limited oxygen availability during germination. Overall, the combination of KNO₃ concentration and soaking duration can improve the viability and vigor of rice seeds. Therefore, the use of KNO₃ soaking treatment can be applied as a seed invigoration technique to enhance the germination performance of rice seeds.