Study on the mechanism of cerium nitrate effects on germination of aged rice seed.

Attempts were made to promote germination of naturally and artificially aged rice seeds by treating them with cerium nitrate. The germination rate, germination index, and vigor index of aged rice seed were significantly increased by cerium. It was because the treatments of aged rice seed with cerium nitrate enhanced respiratory rate and activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase, and decreased superoxide O2- and malondialdehyde contents that plasma membrane permeability was reduced. It was suggested that cerium be used for the seed treatment before sowing.