Objective: To screen the optimized seed viability test methods for Vitex trifolia L. var. simplicifolia Cham

and then measure the correlation between the germination rate and seed viability. Method: TTC (2

3

5-triphynel tetrazolilum chroride) staining

red ink staining and BTB staining were used respectively to evaluate seed viability of V.trifolia L.var. simplicifolia from five habitats.Conditions for seed germination contained four kinds of culture beds (filter paper

sponge

sand and vermiculite) and six temperature (15

20

25

30

30 ℃ then shift to 20 ℃

25 ℃ then shift to 15 ℃). Result: Compared with the other two methods

TTC staining was the best one for the seed viability test.The seeds can reach to the highest germination rate on vermiculite culture bed in 30 ℃.There was a significant relationship between germination rate and seed viability tested by TTC staining

and the correlation coefficient can reached to 0.992.The regression equation was proved to be Y =0.967 X +6.038 ( X :seeds viability; Y :germination rate). Conclusion: TTC staining was the optimal method to determine seed viability of V.trifolia L.var. simplicifolia .seed viability tested by this method was significant related with germination rate .