Abstract: In order to regenerate and popularize the drought and salttolerance economical plant Iris in northwest China,the physical and chemical treatment methods that can stimulate germination of the Iris seeds have been studied.The physical treatment is Co60γ radiation with different radioactive intensity and the chemical treatment is to soak the seed into the 500 mg/kg solution of cytokinin(gibberellin)for 36 h.Based on both laboratory and field experiment,the most effective way to disturb the seed dormancy and accelerate the germination is hot water soaking plus Co60γ radiation.The suggested radiation intensity is 0.258 0～0.903 0 C/kg and the corresponding radioactive density is 2.58×10-4 C/(kg·s).The proper water temperature to soak the seeds is 65 ℃.The present study is of significance in developing new fodder and medicineuse plants;it is also helpful to restore the deteriorated ecoenvironment in northwest China and to flourish the local economy.