Ontogenetic changes in vitamin C in selected rice varieties

► Ascorbate metabolism in rice follows a different pattern compared to other species. ► Foliar AsA content in rice peaks at the vegetative 2-4 and the reproductive 4 stages. ► Light intensity does not change the AsA pattern found during vegetative growth. ► We observed little diurnal and nocturnal variation in AsA content in rice. ► Foliar AsA in rice accessions from 4 subgroups differed significantly at the V2 stage.