Abstract: [Objective] The aim of this study was to assess the effect of exogenous ascorbic acid （AsA） priming on the seed vigor of deteriorated Avena sativa. At the same time, the optimal concentration and time of ascorbic acid （AsA） priming on seed vigor of Avena sativa was clarified, so as to provide a scientific basis for Avena sativa forage production practice. [Method] Avena sativa seeds with controlled deterioration were used as experimental materials, which were triggered by different concentrations of AsA solution （0, 0.50, 1.00, 1.50, 2.00, 2.50 mmol/L） for 0 （CK）, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20 and 24 h. Subsequently, the changes of germination percentage （Gp）, germination index （Gi）, seedlings vigor index （SVI）, and mean germination time （MGT） were analyzed. [Result] The priming time and concentration of exogenous AsA possessed highly significant （P<0.01） effects on the Gp, Gi and SVI of the deteriorated Avena sativa seeds, and had no significant （P>0.05） effects on the MGT. The interaction of the two had highly significant （P<0.01） effects on SVI and no significant （P>0.05） effects on Gp, Gi and MGT. The highest Gp, Gi and SVI and the shortest MGT were observed in the deteriorated Avena sativa seeds triggered by the AsA concentration of 0.5 mmol/L for 24 h. The Gp, Gi and SVI were increased by 23.42%, 55.08% and 41.42%, respectively, and the MGT was shortened by 14.25%. [Conclusion] The exogenous AsA priming concentration, priming time and the interaction between the two were closely related to the changes of Gp, Gi, SVI and MGT in deteriorated Avena sativa seeds. The exogenous AsA concentration of 0.5 mmol/L for 24 h was the best treatment to improve the vigor of deteriorated Avena sativa seeds.

Key words: Avena sativa, seed vigor, ascorbic acid, seed deterioration, seed priming