SummaryFive Chaite and three main season ricesOryza sativagenotypes were examined to assess the effect of low temperature on the germination and growth of roots and shoots, root regeneration capacity, the extent of chlorophyll synthesis of etiolated seedlings, total chlorophyll content and photo‐chemical efficiency (Fv/Fm) of chilled plants. Cultivated differences in the ability to germinate and grow at low temperatures have been found. The poor ability of Chaite rices to tolerate photo‐oxidative tissue damage during January and February seemed to be the major factor resulting in poor seedling gro