Rice seeds from cv. ‘Oochikara’ (japonica type) were
surface sterilized in 10% (v/v) NaOCl for 1.5 min, rinsed in
sterilized water for 3 min, and germinated on distilled
water-soaked germitest paper in a germination chamber at
25°C for 6 days. Germinated seedlings were transferred to
plastic containers with one-half strength of the nutrient
solution. After this period, plants were transferred to new
plastic containers with nutrient solution. The nutrient
solution, without aeration, was changed every 4 days. The
pH was checked daily and kept around 5.5 by using NaOH
or HCl (1 M) when needed