First, sun exposure. Sowing seeds can enhance their germination potential. Before soaking, choose a sunny day and spread the seeds evenly on a concrete floor in a layer of 3-4 cm. Gently turn the seeds to ensure even exposure to sunlight, but avoid pricking the seed coat. Dry them for 1–2 days. If the temperature is high, increase the frequency of turning. This helps the seeds absorb light and heat more effectively.
Second, seed selection. This step removes impurities, damaged grains, and ensures uniform maturity, leading to more consistent and vigorous seedlings. Two common methods are using clear water or saltwater. For saltwater selection, prepare a solution with a specific gravity between 1.10 and 1.13. Mix 100 kg of fresh water with 20–25 kg of salt. To check the density, place a fresh egg in the solution; it should float with about the size of a 5-cent coin visible above the surface.
Third, seed soaking. The purpose of soaking is to eliminate bacteria carried by the seeds, such as bakanae, blast, smut, bacterial blight, and leaf stripe disease. Common soaking agents include "Bacterial Insect Clear" and "Imidacloprid." To prepare the solution: mix 1.5–2 packs (20g) of Bacterial Insect Clear with 10g of 10% Imidacloprid, add a small amount of water to form a paste, then dilute with 8kg of water. Soak 5–6kg of dry rice seeds in this mixture, stirring several times. Cover the container and store it in a cool, dark place. If you're soaking a large quantity, adjust the solution accordingly.
Soaking time depends on temperature. At 18–20°C, soak for 60 hours (three days), while at 23–25°C, 48 hours is sufficient. Soaking before mid-May typically requires 60 hours, and in early June, 48 hours is enough. The soaking time is critical for effectiveness. When the seeds are fully hydrated, the husk becomes transparent, the white belly is visible, and the seed can be easily crushed without sound. This usually takes 2–3 days. After soaking, no washing is needed—directly proceed to germination.
Germination is the process of creating optimal conditions—moisture, air, and warmth—to promote uniform and rapid sprouting. Germinated seeds emerge faster, often 3 days earlier than non-germinated ones, and produce more uniform seedlings, increasing yield by 5–10%. Whether using direct seeding or transplanting, germination is essential.
The key goals of germination are "fast, even, uniform, and strong." "Fast" means the sprouts appear within two days, with the chest breaking in 24 hours. "Even" means over 90% of seeds meet the standard. "Uniform" refers to neat roots and shoots, and "strong" indicates thick buds, proper root-to-shoot balance, bright color, and a fresh smell.
The main technique involves three steps: high-temperature chest breaking, moist priming, and low-temperature drying. First, after soaking, expose the seeds to warm water (around 50°C) for 5–10 minutes to stimulate germination. Wrap them in wet sacks and cover with straw for insulation. Avoid plastic materials, which can cause hypoxia. Maintain a temperature of around 35°C, and turn the seeds if needed. This process usually takes 12–24 hours.
Next, moist priming. Once the white bud appears, lower the temperature to below 28°C to prevent burning. Keep the environment at 25–28°C and 80% humidity for about 12 hours. When the buds are long and the roots are firm, they are ready for planting. For transplanting, the buds should be at least 2mm long.
Finally, low-temperature drying. After the buds have developed, allow them to air-dry at room temperature for a day. This strengthens their resilience and improves their ability to adapt to field conditions. This step enhances the overall vigor of the seedlings and increases survival rates.
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