The objective of this study was to verify the relationship between the shape of the hydration curve and the physiological quality of rice seeds. Six lots of rice seeds were used, three of cultivar IRGA 417 and three of cultivar IRGA 422 CL. The rice seeds were submitted to a set of tests in order to measure the physiological potential of the lots: germination, first count germination, accelerated aging, cold test (without soil), electrical conductivity, length and dry mass of seedlings and seedling emergence in the field. After evaluation of the initial quality of the lots, the hydration curve was determined. It was concluded that physiological quality affects the water content reached by rice seeds during hydration, and that seeds with lower vigor present lower hydration rate and water content when compared to seeds with higher vigor.
Oryza sativa; water content; germination
