Effects of artificial aging on physiological and biochemical characteristics of Elymus nutans seeds

Seeds of Elymus nutans were subjected to artificial aging with high temperature(45℃)and high humidity(RH100%). The experiments were conducted to determine germination rate,germination potential,vigor index and germination index,electrical conductivity,MDA,POD activities,SOD activities,soluble protein and soluble sugar. The results showed that germination rate,germination potential,germination index and vigor index decreased with aging time,and the electrical conductivity did not significantly(P 0. 05). The MDA and soluble sugar are higher than that of control. POD and SOD activities decreased and the difference is significant at 0. 05 level. The soluble protein decreased as the aging time increased. The electrical conductivity was correlated with the seed vigor,while MDA,POD activities,SOD activities,soluble sugar,soluble protein were correlated with the seed vigor.