Abstract:In order to understand the effect of low temperature on growth of Ilex verticillata, the photosynthetic pigment contents, antioxidant enzymes activities and antioxidant ability of 2-year-old seedlings under -6℃ were studied. The results showed that the chlorophyll, carotenoids contents in leaves decreased, while the ratio of chlorophyll/carotenoids and chlorophyll b content increased under low temperature. The REC (relative electrical conductivity) and H2O2 content significantly increased under low temperature. There was no significant difference in superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, but the catalase (CAT) activity significantly reduced. Under low temperature, the peroxidase (POD) activity significantly increased, and reached the peak treated for 48 h. The ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activity enhanced treated for 12 h, and then decreased. The AsA (ascorbic acid) and GSH (glutathione) contents increased at first 24 h then decreased from 48 to 72 h. Therefore, Ilex verticillata seedlings could endure low temperature stress for short term (12-24 h), and antioxidant system could play key role in cold stress at early stage, but it might suffer damage with time extension under low temperature.