RESUMO
Seeds of Panax quinquefolius L. with original moisture content of 5.9%, together withthat desiccated over silica gel to moisture contents of 3.4% and 1.7%, were stored at ambient tempera-ture,-5 ℃C, -18 ℃C and -196 ℃C (liquid nitrogen) for 6 months. Influences of desiccation and storage on seed viability were tested by TTC staining, before and after desiccation, and their vigour were evaluatedon tests of seed esterase isozyme isoelectric focusing (IEF), and field test on their rate of splitting and e-mergence,length of bud and root. Results showed that there was no effects on seed viability by desiccationto 3.4% and 1.7% of moisture content, as the TTC staining rates were 100% for all seeds tested immedi-ately after desiccation. No significant differences in seed viability and vigour were detected among seedsstored at defferent temperature as there are no significant difference in vairance analysis for seed split rateand seed emergency rate.