【Objective】 The aim of this work was to examine the superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) activity and germinability of Ginkgo biloba seeds in response to desiccation, to provide technical guidance for the preservation and storage of its germplasm resources. 【Method】 Seeds were placed in a drying room [(25±2)% relative humidity, 25 ℃)] for 67 days. Samples were randomly taken for germination testing and enzyme activity determination after each ±5% decrease in moisture content. 【Result】The germination percentage remained constant when the seed moisture content decreased from 48.0% (fresh seeds) to 45.1%. However, when the moisture content reached 40.1%, the germination percentage decreased from 92% to 50%. A significant positive correlation was observed between the moisture content and seed germination percentage (r = 0.910). The electrical conductivity was significantly higher during the initial desiccation period (48.0%-45.1%). Furthermore, both SOD and POD activity first reduced, and then increased to peak values before declining again. POD activity rose earlier than SOD activity, indicating that the POD reaction was more desiccation-sensitive than the SOD reaction. Significant negative correlations were observed between the moisture content and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance content (r =-0.619) and electrical conductivity (r =-0.745). 【Conclusion】Our collective results suggest that G. biloba seeds are highly sensitive to desiccation. Excessive desiccation could reduce the antioxidant enzyme activity of G. biloba seeds and intensify membrane lipid peroxidation, which would cause a consequent reduction—or even a complete loss—of seed germinability.