Objective: To provide technical reference for standardization planting and long-term storage of Salvia miltiorrhiza seed by studying seed structure

germination and storage characteristics. Method: In the study of morphology and structure

seeds and their paraffin sections were observed

and photos were taken by the dissecting microscope and electron microscope. In the study of germination

the optimal temperature and different light conditions were investigated. In the study of storage characteristics

the changes in seed viability at different water content and temperature conditions were investigated to determine optimal storage temperature and water content. Result: ① S. miltiorrhiza seeds can well germinate at 15-35℃

with the optimal temperature between 20-30℃. Fluctuating temperatures at 15/25℃ and 20/30℃ can increase the germination rate. Light can decrease the germination rate at high temperature. ② Low-temperature storage was better than room-temperature storage. Higher or lower water content could lead to the sharp decrease of seed viability. The optimal storage condition was 4℃

with 5%of water content. ③ The pericarp of S. miltiorrhiza consisted of the mucilage cell layer

the parenchyma cell layer

the single sclereid layer and the sclerenchyma cell layer. After absorbing water

the mucilage cells swelled

ruptured and released a lot of gelatinous mucus. Conclusion: S. miltiorrhiza has a wide seed germination temperature range

and can be planted in most areas of China. In seedling

fluctuating temperatures can be used to promote seed germination and increase the seedling emergence rate of S. miltiorrhiza. Temperature and water content are important factors in the storage of S. miltiorrhiza seeds. The optimal storage method is low temperature and low water content. The characteristics of S. miltiorrhiza seeds of rapidly absorbing a large amount of water were related to the structure of the mucilage cell layer. This structure is conducive to maintaining the seed moisture and resisting the drought

but bad for seed storage.