Abstract:The effects of ABA priming, both alone and in combination with GA3, KT and NAA on germination of Matthiola bicornis seeds were investigated. The best priming was to treat seeds in 2.5×10-5 mol/L ABA solution at 20℃ for 7 d. This treatment significantly reduced mean germination time and increased germination index compared with the control. Combined treatment by ABA with NAA showed no further effect on germination of the seeds, but all the other combined treatments significantly increased the percentage of normal seedlings. The treatment in combination with KT and NAA increased the germination index compared to the treatment with ABA or PEG priming alone. There were quite differences in the seed relative water absorption between treatments with PEG and ABA priming. The potential and the mechanisms for using ABA priming to improve seed germination are discussed.