Cumulative oxidation of cellular macromolecules during storage reduces seed longevity. This study was undertaken to unravel the physiological and biochemical changes in rice seeds that contribute to deterioration during storage. Rice seeds maintained at three different seed moisture contents (SMC; 10, 12 and 14%) were stored in airtight glass jars. Half of the jars were flushed with nitrogen gas to provide modified oxygen conditions, while the other half were sealed with natural air (21% O2). Seed quality in terms of germination and antioxidant defence mechanisms was monitored after 3 and 6 months of storage at 25°C. The results showed that seeds performed better when stored at low SMC (10 and 12%), whereas the deterioration process accelerated in seeds stored at higher SMC (14%). Coupling high SMC with the availability of oxygen in the storage environment produced a negative effect on seed quality and longevity. Results from the antioxidant analysis showed more activity in seeds stored with oxygen at high SMC (14%) compared to lower SMC stored in modified oxygen conditions. Therefore, it is recommended that storage with low moisture levels (12%) or below (10%) is the best to preserve rice seed quality. However, at higher moisture levels (14%), the availability of oxygen in storage is more harmful to seed lifespan and quality.

储存过程中细胞大分子的累积氧化会缩短种子的寿命。这项研究的目的是揭示水稻种子在储存过程中导致变质的生理和生化变化。将保持三种不同种子水分含量（SMC；10%、12% 和 14%）的水稻种子储存在密封玻璃罐中。一半的罐子用氮气冲洗以提供改良的氧气条件，而另一半则用自然空气（21% O 2）。在 25°C 储存 3 个月和 6 个月后，监测种子在发芽和抗氧化防御机制方面的质量。结果表明，在低 SMC（10% 和 12%）条件下储存的种子表现更好，而在较高 SMC（14%）条件下储存的种子则加速了变质过程。将高 SMC 与储存环境中氧气的可用性结合起来会对种子质量和寿命产生负面影响。抗氧化剂分析结果显示，与在改良氧气条件下储存的较低 SMC 相比，在高 SMC (14%) 条件下储存的种子活性更高。因此，建议在低水分（12%）或以下（10%）的条件下储存，以保持水稻种子的品质。然而，在较高的湿度（14%）下，储存中的氧气对种子寿命和质量的危害更大。