<![CDATA[Abstract. Manucang SAT, Gilbero DM, Miranda-Ravelo S, Atulba SLS, Marzo Jr FL. 2026. Effects of seed priming on germination of heirloom upland rice (Oryza sativa) varieties in Monkayo, Davao de Oro, Philippines. Asian J Agric 10 (2): g100233. https://doi.org/10.13057/asianjagric/g100233. Seed priming is a simple pre-sowing technique that can influence germination and early seedling development, although responses may differ among rice variety-seed lots and priming materials. This study evaluated eight seed-priming treatments on three heirloom upland rice (Oryza sativa) varieties, Kabuyok, Magdiwata, and Guyuron using a split-plot design with four replications under laboratory ragdoll conditions. Treatments included an unprimed control, scarification, and 12- and 24-h soaking in tap water, coconut water, or wood vinegar. Final Germination Percentage (FGP) was analyzed using a binomial generalized linear mixed model, while Mean Germination Time (MGT), Germination Index (GI), root length, shoot length, and seedling length were analyzed using split-plot ANOVA. Seed priming treatment significantly affected germination probability (Wald χ² = 161.44, P<0.0001), with a significant Variety × Treatment interaction (Wald χ² = 52.49, P<0.0001). T2 (24-h tap-water soaking) showed the most consistently favorable laboratory response across variety-seed lots, maintaining high germination while recording the shortest numerical MGT (2.03 d), greatest root length (26.21 mm), and greatest numerical seedling length (51.23 mm). T3 (12-h tap-water soaking) produced the highest GI (25.45) but showed reduced germination in Magdiwata, indicating a variety-seed lot-specific response. T6 (24-h wood vinegar soaking at 1:200 dilution) caused complete germination failure in all varieties, while T7 substantially reduced germination and vigor, particularly in Magdiwata and Guyuron. The Variety × Treatment interaction was also significant for seed vigor index (P = 0.0242). Observed varietal differences represent responses of the tested variety-seed lots and cannot be attributed exclusively to genetic effects. Under the laboratory conditions of this study, 24-h tap-water hydropriming provided the most consistently favorable combination of germination and early seedling responses; greenhouse and field validation is required before agronomic recommendations are made.]]>
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