Effects of High Night Temperature and Aminoethoxyvinylglycine (AVG) on Rice Physiology and Yield.

The presence of seasonally high night temperatures (HNT) along the U.S. Gulf Coast, occurring during the critical stages of development, could reduce rice yield and quality. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of HNT and aminoethoxyvinylglycine (AVG) on rice physiology and yield. Plants were grown under ambient night temperature (ANT) (25 ^oC) and HNT (30 ^oC) in the greenhouse. They were subjected to a HNT through use of continuously controlled infrared heaters. Night temperatures were imposed from 2000h until 0600h. The results indicated HNT increased respiration rate, and decreased leaf photosynthetic rate, membrane stability, pollen germination, spikelet fertility and yield. Rice plants treated with AVG showed an increase in yield compared to untreated plants, when grown under HNT.