Abstract: [Objective] To investigate the differences in seed vigor and storage tolerance among different oat varieties under artificial aging conditions. [Methods] Thirty oat varieties were selected as experimental materials. Artificial aging technology was used to simulate high-temperature and high-humidity storage conditions （constant temperature of 45 ℃ and relative humidity of 95%) for an aging treatment of 4 days, with non-aged seeds serving as the control （CK）. Seed vigor indicators, such as germination potential, germination percentage, and germination index, as well as seedling growth indicators such as root-to-shoot ratio, root length, and seedling length, were measured. The storage tolerance of the tested oat seeds was comprehensively evaluated using aging tolerance coefficients of individual indicators, comprehensive aging tolerance coefficients, principal component analysis, membership function analysis, and systematic clustering analysis. [Results] Compared with the control, the germination potential, germination rate, and germination index of all tested oat varieties significantly decreased （P<0.05） after artificial aging treatment. Specifically, the germination potential of 29 varieties, the germination index of 28 varieties, and the germination rate of 22 varieties decreased by more than 60%. The mean germination time was significantly prolonged （P<0.05）, with 28 varieties increasing by 1-3 days. The root-to-shoot ratio, seedling length, and root length generally showed a downward trend （with a few varieties as exceptions）. For a comprehensive evaluation of storage tolerance, seven germination indicators were reduced to four independent comprehensive indicators by principal component analysis （cumulative contribution rate of 96.99%）, the membership function was used to calculate the comprehensive evaluation value for storage tolerance （D）, and systematic clustering classified the storage tolerance of the tested oat seeds into three types：3 strong storage-tolerant type （Dingyan 2, Linna, Mengyan 1） with D≥0.657, 15 moderate storage-tolerant type （Baiyan 7, Bayan 6, Fuxing, Furui Zhi, Zhangyan 4, Baiyan 19, Russian White, Caoyou 1, Qingyin 1, Qingyin 2, Fuyan 60, Muwang, Baiyan 12, Baiyan 17, Aiske） with 0.657>D≥0.401, and 12 weak storage-tolerant type （Jiayan 2, Kaimo, Tianyan 70, Beile II, Mulesi, Qinghai 444, Fuyan 1, Tianyan 1, Qingyan 1, Fuyan 2, Baiyan 11, Tianyan 3） with 0.401>D≥0.156. [Conclusion] Dingyan 2, Linna, and Mengyan 1 were identified as strong storage-tolerant elite germplasm resources. The established comprehensive evaluation system combining "principal component analysis+membership function+clustering analysis" provides a standardized method for precise evaluation of oat storage tolerance, offering significant practical value for guiding efficient oat seed storage and the high-quality development of the industry.

Key words: oat, artificial aging, seed vigor, storage tolerance