Abstract: 【Objective】 To study the effects of drought stress on seed germination, seedling growth and physiological characteristics of barley in order to screen out the best concentration of PEG treatment solution, and provide theoretical basis for establishing drought resistance evaluation of barley seed germination. 【Methods】 Germination tests were carried out on barley seeds by using PEG solutions of different molecular weights and different concentrations to simulate drought stress.The measurement indicators include germination potential, germination rate, root length, bud length, bud length, seedling dry weight, root dry weight, bud dry weight, SOD, CAT and POD activities, Malondialdehyde, proline, soluble protein and soluble sugar content. 【Results】 (1)With the increase of PEG concentration, there was no significant difference in germination rate of barley seeds; The germination potential was significantly different only under 20% PEG treatment.(2) With the increase of PEG concentration, the growth of barley seedlings was significantly inhibited.(3)With the increase of PEG concentration, the contents of malondialdehyde, proline and soluble sugar as well as the activities of SOD and POD were significantly increased, while the changes of CAT activity and soluble protein content were not significant compared with the control. 【Conclusion】 20% PEG 8,000 is the ideal concentration of drought resistance identification in barley seed germination stage.