Abstract:To study the germination performance of alfalfa at low temperatures,the germination rate,the germination potential,the germination index,the vigor index,the average germination time and the vigor index of 20 alfalfa varieties were determined by conventional paper germination method at 4 ℃,8 ℃ and 20 ℃.The results showed that as the germination temperature decreased the germination rate,the germination potential,the germination index,the vigor index and the seedling length of each variety decreased significantly,and the germination time prolonged significantly.The relative germination rate,the relative germination index,the relative vigor index and the relative seedling length were significantly positively correlated,while were significantly negatively correlated with the relative average germination time.The comprehensive evaluation results showed that at 8 ℃ six varieties including Juneng 418Q,SG403,Junengnaishi,Zhongmu No.3,4020MF,and SG402 were scored over 50.At 4 ℃,only Junengnaiyan achieved a cold tolerance score of 57,above 50.