Abstract: Taking Atractylodes macrocephala as test material,the effects of exogenous zinc（Zn）on seed germination and seedling growth of Atractylodes macrocephala were explored through a pot experiment,in order to provide reference for rational zinc application and efficient breeding of A.macrocephala.The results showed that the growth of A.macrocephalaseedlings was promoted by low Zn levels(≤100 mg·L^-1)and inhibited by high levels(200 mg·L^-1).100 mg·L^-1 Zn treatment had the best effect on the seed germination and seedling growth of A.macrocephala.Compared with the control,100 mg·L^-1 Zn treatment significantly increased the root length,plant height,leaf number and fresh weight of A.macrocephala seedlings by 68.3%,29.1%,21.2% and 20.0%,respectively.The content of chlorophyll a,chlorophyll b,total chlorophyll and carotenoid in A.macrocephalaseedling leaves under 100 mg·L^-1 Zn treatment were also significantly increased by16.7%,26.2%,19.4% and 5.9%,respectively,compared with the control.Moreover,the content of soluble protein（SP）in A.macrocephalaseedling leaves was significantly increased while the soluble sugar（SS）and malondialdehyde（MDA）were decreased under the 100 mg·L^-1 Zn treatment,compared with the control.Meanwhile,the activities of catalase（CAT）and superoxide dismutase（SOD）in A.macrocephalaseedling leaves were also significantly decreased under the 100 mg·L^-1 Zn treatment,compared with the control.However,the root length,plant height,fresh weight,dry weight and chlorophyll content of A.macrocephala seedlings under 200 mg· L^-1 Zn treatment were significantly lower than those of the control.In conclusion,Zn had a typical dose effect on the growth of A.macrocephalaseedlings,and 100 mg·L^-1 Zn should be recommended.