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Changes in seed quality during ripening were studied in sixteen cultivars of rice, representing the three ecogeographic races ofOryza sativa, and one cultivar ofO. glaberrima, grown during one dry season (Nov. –May) 1992 –1993 at Los Ba ños, Philippines. Mass maturity (defined as the end of seed filling period) among the cultivars was attained between 18.5 and 21.6d after anthesis (DAA). The seed moisture content at mass maturity varied between 24 and 40%. Germination ability of seeds in the early stages of development varied significantly, but as mass maturity approached, germination increased to the maximum and no significant differences were found among cultivars. The seeds were stored hermetically at 35 °C with 15±0.2% moisture content and the resultant seed survival data were analysed by probit analysis. Potential longevity (quantified by the value of seed lot constantK_iof the seed viability equation …