Abstract:
Sri Lanka consisted of five wild rice species. Among these Oryza rhizomatis is endemic and distributed
only in the low country dry zone of Sri Lanka. According to the previous literature it has been shown that
some of the previously recorded populations of this species are declining due to natural and
anthropogenic processes. Thus, this study was conducted to determine the conservation status and the
seed biology of O. rhizomatis. Ex-situ conservation data were gathered from seed banks (43) national
herbarium (02) and literature (46) and confirmed using field surveys. Seed germination and effect of
dormancy breaking treatments were studied using freshly collected seeds. Field survey revealed that 13
out of 46 previously recorded populations have disappeared in the wild. Only 28 % of the existing
populations were inside protected areas while only 26% of the population was conserved ex-situ. Thus,
high priority should be given for in-situ and ex-situ conservation of O.rhizomatis. Seeds were identified
as dormant since no germination was observed for the intact fresh seeds. Percentage mass increments,
after 48 hours imbibition of scarified and non-scarified seeds were not significantly different, revealing
that seeds have no physical dormancy. Embryo has not developed prior to germination so physiological
dormancy is the possible dormancy class. Chemical treatment with HNO 3 , KNO 3 and H 2 O 2 were not
improved seed germination, significantly. Only 12% and 9 % of seeds germinated after exposure to wet
heat at 45 and 50 ◦C, respectively. Only 5% of seeds germinated after dry storage at -20 ◦ C. Nevertheless,
80% of seeds germinated when they were physically scarified just above the embryo, revealing their
physiological dormancy. However, more feasible dormancy breaking treatment must be identified to
assist propagation of this species. Since this is an endemic and high priority species for in-situ and ex-situ
conservation, further studies must be conducted in seed germination and dormancy breaking treatments.
