This study was aimed at evaluating the effect of plant densities, nitrogen rates and foliar diseases control on the physical, physiological and sanitary qualities of rice seeds. The experiment was conducted during 2003/2004 growing seasons in Santa Maria-RS, Brazil. The treatments were: three plant densities (150, 260 and 380 plants m-2), five nitrogen rates (0, 40, 80, 120 and 160kg ha-1), and control or no control of foliage diseases. The nitrogen fertilizer was top-dressed, and split in two times. There was no triple interaction among the parameters evaluated. Increasing nitrogen rates resulted in higher seed protein content. The chemical control of diseases contributed for better physiological and sanitary qualities such as better germination and vigor and lower incidence of pathogens associated with seeds.
Oryza sativa L.; irrigated rice; management
