【Objective】 To improve the cold tolerance of Medicago ruthenica during seed germination and seed- ling growth period under low temperature.【Method】 We studied the germination of M. ruthenica seeds under differ- ent GABA concentrations. We explored the effects of GABA on seed α-amylase activity,root activity and seed pheno- typic characteristics at the optimal concentration by simulating the ground temperature of alpine meadow in May. 【Result】 Low concentration of GABA (0. 1~1 mmol/L) could promote seed germination,with a concentration of 0. 5 mmol/L GABA being the optimal concentration. At this concentration,the germination potential,germination in- dex,vigor index,number of normal seedlings,radicle and germ length and seedling dry weight were significantly in- creased by 48. 03%,28. 36%,44. 54%,7. 41%,27. 33%,21. 23% and 10. 17%,respectively,and the average ger- mination time was significantly shortened by 4. 72%. Moreover,under normal temperature treatment (25 ℃) GABA (0. 5 mmol/L) could improve α-amylase activity and root activity,but did not reach the significant level,and had little effect on seed phenotype. Different from normal temperature,GABA significantly enhanced the α-amylase activity of M. ruthenicaat at the early germination stage (germination 4 d) under low temperature. It also improved the root activity,alleviated the slow growth of seedlings and slim seedlings,and promoted the growth and development of M. ruthenica.【Conclusion】 The optimum GABA concentration to improve the cold tolerance of M. ruthenica is 0. 5 mmol/L under low temperature.