Aluminum resistance and cell‐wall characteristics of pineapple root apices

Pineapple (Ananas comosus [L.] Merrill) is one of the economically cultivated crops in Taiwan, which is grown mostly on acid soil. Aluminum (Al) is phytotoxic and sometimes inhibits root growth of crops in strongly acid soils. This study was conducted to evaluate the role in Al resistance of root‐apex cell walls of four important pineapple cultivars (Cayenne, Tainung No. 6, Tainung No. 13, and Tainung No. 17). The cell‐wall characteristics of root apices were determined using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and solid‐state ¹³C‐nuclear–magnetic resonance spectroscopy (¹³C‐NMR). The results show that the carboxylic and phenolic groups were highest in the cell wall of Tainung No.17 and lowest in that of Cayenne. Aluminum adsorption by cell wall could be described by Freundlich equation. The adsorption of Al by the cell wall of root apices was highest in Tainung No.17 and lowest in Cayenne. Tainung No.17 contained more carboxylic and phenolic groups in its cell wall of the root apices, causing more Al adsorption and so more damage to its root apices than that of the other three pineapple cultivars.     

小麦根尖细胞壁对铝的吸附/解吸特性及其与耐铝性的关系

研究了耐铝性明显差异的2个小麦基因型西矮麦1号(耐性)和辐84系(敏感)根系对铝毒胁迫的反应与根尖细胞壁组分以及细胞壁对铝的吸附和解吸的关系。结果表明,30mol/L.AlCl3可迅速抑制小麦根系伸长,但对辐84系根系伸长的抑制更为明显,且小麦根系相对伸长率随着铝浓度的提高而急剧降低。在30mol/L.AlCl3处理24h后,西矮麦1号根系伸长的抑制率为33.3%,而辐84系根系伸长的抑制率高达70.9%。小麦距根尖0～10.mm根段的铝含量和细胞壁中果胶糖醛酸含量显著高于10～20.mm根段,且前者对铝的累积吸附量明显大于后者;在0～10.mm根段,敏感基因型果胶含量高于耐性基因型,其根尖含铝量及根尖细胞壁对铝的吸附量都要大于后者。采用1.0.mol/L.NH3.H2O对细胞壁预处理2.h降低果胶甲基酯化程度后,耐性和敏感基因型根尖细胞壁对铝的累积吸附量分别降低了17.1%和20.9%,但对铝的累积解吸率没有影响。由此可见,小麦根尖是铝毒的主要位点,细胞壁果胶含量和果胶甲基酯化程度可能是导致不同小麦基因型根尖细胞壁对铝吸附量、铝积累量的差异及其对铝毒胁迫反应的差异的重要原因。     

Distribution of Accumulated Aluminum and Changes in Cell Wall Polysaccharides in Eucalyptus camaldulensis and Melaleuca cajuputi under Aluminum Stress

Distribution of aluminum (Al) within plant components and Al-induced changes in cell wall polysaccharides in root tips of Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh. seedlings were compared with those of Melaleuca cajuputi Powell. In E. camaldulensis, 0.5 mM Al (pH 4.2 for 40 d) reduced plant dry weight by 50%, increased callose concentration in the root tips and induced leaf necrosis. In comparison with M. cajuputi, Al concentrations were higher in roots and leaves of E. camaldulensis on both a fresh weight basis and in the cell sap, but were lower in the cell wall. Al increased pectin, hemicellulose and cellulose concentration in the cell walls of E. camaldulensis root tips. Al-induced leaf necrosis and growth reduction in E. camaldulensis is discussed in the context of potentially toxic concentrations of Al in plant tissue and changes in polysaccharide content which could reduce water and nutrient uptake and cell wall extensibility in roots.     

Aluminum stress stimulates the accumulation of organic acids in root apices of Brachiaria species

Aluminum‐resistant Brachiaria decumbens Stapf cv. Basilisk (signalgrass) and closely related, but less resistant Brachiaria ruziziensis Germain & Evrard cv. Common (ruzigrass) both accumulated high concentrations of aluminum (Al) in roots. Approximately two thirds of the total Al was complexed by soluble low‐molecular‐weight ligands, suggesting that it had been taken up into the symplasm. We therefore investigated whether these species might employ Al‐chelating organic acids for internal detoxification of Al taken up by root apices, the primary site of Al injury. Unlike root apices of other Al‐resistant plant genotypes, which secrete organic‐acid anions to detoxify Al externally, apices of Brachiaria species accumulated organic acids within the tissue. A comparison with whole roots showed that this preference for accumulation (as opposed to secretion) was restricted to apices. Citric acid, and to a lesser extent trans‐aconitic acid, accumulated in a uniform dose‐dependent manner in root apices of both species as their Al content increased under Al‐toxic growth conditions. Their accumulation was accompanied by a stimulation of malate synthesis in Al‐resistant B. decumbens, while it occurred at the expense of malate in Al‐sensitive B. ruziziensis. These data suggest a role of organic acids in the internal detoxification of Al in root apices of both Brachiaria species, presumably contributing to their comparatively high basal level of Al resistance. Yet internal detoxification of Al by organic acids does not appear to be the principal mechanism responsible for the superior resistance of B. decumbens.     

Proton toxicity interferes with the screening of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) genotypes for aluminium resistance in nutrient solution

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) proved to be very sensitive of low pH (4.3), with large genotypic differences in proton sensitivity. Therefore, proton toxicity did not allow the screening of common bean genotypes for aluminium (Al) resistance using the established protocol for maize (0.5 mM CaCl₂, 8 μM H₃BO₃, pH 4.3). Increasing the pH to 4.5, the Ca²⁺ concentration to 5 mM, and addition of 0.5 mM KCl fully prevented proton toxicity in 28 tested genotypes and allowed to identify differences in Al resistance using the inhibition of root elongation by 20 μM Al supply for 36 h as parameter of Al injury. As in maize, Al treatment induced callose formation in root apices of common bean. Aluminium‐induced callose formation well reflected the effect of Ca supply on Al sensitivity as revealed by root‐growth inhibition. Aluminum‐induced callose formation in root apices of 28 bean genotypes differing in Al resistance after 36 h Al treatment was positively correlated to Al‐induced inhibition of root elongation and Al contents in the root apices. However, the relationship was less close than previously reported for maize. Also, after 12 h Al treatment, callose formation and Al contents in root apices did not reflect differences in Al resistance between two contrasting genotypes, indicating a different mode of the expression of Al toxicity and regulation of Al resistance in common bean than in maize.     

Distribution of Accumulated Aluminum and Changes in Cell Wall Polysaccharides in Eucalyptus camaldulensis and Melaleuca cajuputi under Aluminum Stress

Distribution of aluminum (Al) within plant components and Al-induced changes in cell wall polysaccharides in root tips of Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh. seedlings were compared with those of Melaleuca cajuputi Powell. In E. camaldulensis , 0.5 mM Al (pH 4.2 for 40 d) reduced plant dry weight by 50%, increased callose concentration in the root tips and induced leaf necrosis. In comparison with M. cajuputi , Al concentrations were higher in roots and leaves of E. camaldulensis on both a fresh weight basis and in the cell sap, but were lower in the cell wall. Al increased pectin, hemicellulose and cellulose concentration in the cell walls of E. camaldulensis root tips. Al-induced leaf necrosis and growth reduction in E. camaldulensis is discussed in the context of potentially toxic concentrations of Al in plant tissue and changes in polysaccharide content which could reduce water and nutrient uptake and cell wall extensibility in roots.     

小麦的铝毒及耐性

为探明Al的毒性和忍耐机理 ,比较了Scout 66和Atlas 66Al敏感和抗性的 2个小麦品种的根对Al的积累模式、根细胞壁对Al的吸附以及Al诱导的有机酸的分泌。结果表明 ,Al对Scout 6 6根伸长的抑制作用较Atlas 66明显。根系吸收的Al主要积累于 0至 5mm根尖处。Scout 6 6的根尖及Al处理后分离的根尖细胞壁对Al的积累量大于Atlas 6 6。但是 ,Al处理前分离根尖细胞壁 ,Al处理后细胞壁对Al的吸附量两品种间无显著差异。Al可诱导Atlas 6 6的根系分泌苹果酸 ,而Scout 6 6的分泌物中未发现Al诱导的有机酸。这些结果表明 ,Atlas 6 6的根尖及其细胞壁较Scout 66积累较少的Al,这种差异与Al诱导的有机酸分泌有关 ,而与根尖细胞壁固有的吸附Al的能力无关     

豌豆不同耐铝品种根尖细胞壁果胶及其甲基酯化度的差异

【目的】研究豌豆不同品种耐铝性和根尖根段耐铝性与果胶及其甲基酯化间的关系,为进一步揭示植物耐铝机理以及耐铝性状的遗传改良提供依据。【方法】以豌豆品种Hyogo和Alaska为试验材料,采用Hoagland培养方式,测定了不同品种不同根段果胶含量、 果胶甲基酯化度和果胶甲酯酶活性,研究了其差异及原因。【结果】在15和30 μmol/L铝浓度胁迫条件下,豌豆品种Alaska根相对伸长率均显著高于品种Hyogo,同时有根尖0~5 mm和5~10 mm段有更少的胼胝质生成和累积,在30 μmol/L浓度下不同根段间均达到显著差异,同时品种Hyogo根尖0~2.5 mm和2.5~5.0 mm段铝含量均显著高于品种Alaska,说明品种Alaska和品种Hyogo间存在耐铝性差异,其中品种Alaska耐铝性高于品种Hyogo,即品种Hyogo为铝敏感品种,品种Alaska是耐铝品种。比较两者不同根段(0~2.5 mm、 2.5~5.0 mm和5.0~10.0 mm)的铝含量与果胶含量、 果胶甲基酯化度、 PME活性间的关系,发现耐铝品种不同根段中的铝含量均小于敏感品种,并且在0~2.5 mm和2.5~5.0 mm段间达到显著性差异; 根尖不同根段果胶糖醛酸含量大小依次为0~2.5＞2.5~5.0＞5.0~10.0 mm,耐铝品种Alaska根尖细胞壁果胶和未甲酯化果胶含量均显著低于Hyogo,并且0~2.5 mm根段差异最大。根尖不同根段果胶甲基酯化度从根尖向上逐渐降低,并且耐铝品种Alaska高于铝敏感品种Hyogo,其中0~2.5 mm段间的差异达到显著水平;在对两个品种果胶甲基酯化酶(PME)活性进一步分析发现,PME活性大小依次为0~2.5＞2.5~5.0＞5.0~10.0 mm,两品种0~2.5 mm和2.5~5.0 mm根段间均达到显著差异。【结论】铝敏感品种Hyogo在0~2.5 mm和2.5~5.0 mm根段具有较高 PME活性和较低果胶甲基酯化程度。豌豆根尖果胶含量和甲基酯化度尤其是0~2.5 mm根段是豌豆耐铝性差异的重要原因;Alaska根尖细胞壁的果胶含量低和果胶甲基酯化度高(尤其是0~2.5 mm段)是其耐铝的重要机制。     

Aluminum tolerance associated with enhancement of plasma membrane H+-ATPase in the root apex of soybean

Seventeen soybean cultivars were screened to discern differences in aluminum (Al) sensitivity. The Sowon (Al-tolerant) and Poongsan (Al-sensitive) cultivars were selected for further study by simple growth measurement. Aluminum-induced root growth inhibition was significantly higher in the Poongsan cultivar than in the Sowon cultivar, although the differences depended on the Al concentration (0, 25, 50, 75 or 100 μmol L^–1) and the amount of exposure (0, 3, 6, 12 or 24 h). Damage occurred preferentially in the root apex. High-sensitivity growth measurements using India ink implicated the central elongation zone located 2–3 mm from the root apex. The Al content was lower 0–5 mm from the root apices in the Sowon cultivar than in the apices of the Poongsan cultivar when exposed to 50 μmol L^–1 Al for 12 h. Furthermore, the citric acid exudation rate was more than twofold higher in the Sowon cultivar. Protein production of plasma membrane (PM) H⁺-ATPase from the root apices (0–5 mm) was upregulated in the presence of Al for 24 h in both cultivars. This activity, however, decreased in both cultivars treated with Al and the Poongsan cultivar was more severely affected. We propose that Al-induced growth inhibition is correlated with changes in PM H⁺-ATPase activity, which is linked to the exudation of citric acid in the root apex.     

镉安全水稻材料根系细胞壁果胶对镉的响应特征

【目的】研究镉(Cd)处理下水稻根系细胞壁果胶对Cd胁迫的响应,进一步深化Cd安全水稻材料根系细胞壁Cd的固持机制。【方法】以Cd安全水稻材料D62B为研究对象,普通材料Luhui17为对照进行水培试验。设4个Cd质量浓度处理：0 mg/L (CK)、0.5 mg/L (Cd0.5)、1.0 mg/L (Cd1)、2.0 mg/L (Cd2)。在水稻分蘖期采集根系样品,分析细胞壁多糖中果胶、半纤维1、半纤维2以及残渣部分的Cd含量,测定果胶糖醛酸含量、果胶酯化度、果胶甲酯酶(PME)活性、根系过氧化氢(H₂O₂)含量以及细胞壁过氧化物酶(POD)活性,进而分析根系细胞壁果胶对Cd的响应特征。【结果】1) Cd胁迫下,D62B和Luhui17根系细胞壁果胶合成增加,根系细胞壁低酯化和高酯化果胶糖醛酸含量均表现为D62B高于Luhui17。Cd处理下D62B根系细胞壁低酯化和高酯化果胶糖醛酸含量较对照分别增加了13.21%～71.82%和22.10%～64.27%,Luhui17分别增加了24.14%～137.86%和13.12%～41.26%。...     

Aluminum inhibits apoplastic flow of high–molecular weight solutes in root apices of Zea mays L.

Using an aluminum (Al)‐sensitive maize cultivar, we investigated the influence of Al on the apoplastic solute bypass flow and its relationship with Al‐induced (1 h, 50 μM) callose formation and root growth. We selected the fluorescent probes 8‐hydroxypyrene‐1,3,6‐trisulfonic acid, trisodium salt (MW 524) (HPTS) and dextran‐Texas Red (TR) conjugates (MW 3,000, 10,000, and 40,000) to monitor their apoplastic transport. Confocal laser–scanning microscopy (CLSM) analysis and spectrofluorometric quantification showed Al‐induced callose formation in peripheral root cells within 1 h. Pretreatment of plants with the callose synthesis inhibitor 2‐deoxy‐D‐glucose (DDG) reduced the callose formation by half. Uptake experiments with both HPTS and dextrans showed uniform dye distribution in control root apices. After Al treatment for 1 or 2 h, which inhibited root growth by 32% or 50%, respectively, the dyes accumulated in the epidermal and outer cortical cell layers, especially in the 1–2 mm apical root zone. Al treatment reduced the export of the dyes out of the apical 1 cm treatment zone. This was due to strong sorption of HPTS but not of dextrans by Al‐loaded cell walls. Aluminum treatment reduced loading into the xylem sap particularly of higher–molecular weight dextrans. Pretreatment of roots with DDG and presence of 50 mM mannitol during the Al treatment partially forestalled the inhibitory effect of Al on the dye transport, but only slightly reduced the Al‐induced growth inhibition. Exudation experiments revealed that xylem water flow remained unaffected by the Al treatment of the root tips. The results with dextran suggest that Al binding in cell walls of the root apex inhibits apoplastic bypass flow of higher–molecular weight solutes, which might contribute to Al‐induced inhibition of root growth.     

Aluminum tolerance associated with enhancement of plasma membrane H+-ATPase in the root apex of soybean

Abstract

Seventeen soybean cultivars were screened to discern differences in aluminum (Al) sensitivity. The Sowon (Al-tolerant) and Poongsan (Al-sensitive) cultivars were selected for further study by simple growth measurement. Aluminum-induced root growth inhibition was significantly higher in the Poongsan cultivar than in the Sowon cultivar, although the differences depended on the Al concentration (0, 25, 50, 75 or 100?μmol?L^–1) and the amount of exposure (0, 3, 6, 12 or 24?h). Damage occurred preferentially in the root apex. High-sensitivity growth measurements using India ink implicated the central elongation zone located 2–3?mm from the root apex. The Al content was lower 0–5?mm from the root apices in the Sowon cultivar than in the apices of the Poongsan cultivar when exposed to 50?μmol?L^–1 Al for 12?h. Furthermore, the citric acid exudation rate was more than twofold higher in the Sowon cultivar. Protein production of plasma membrane (PM) H⁺-ATPase from the root apices (0–5?mm) was upregulated in the presence of Al for 24?h in both cultivars. This activity, however, decreased in both cultivars treated with Al and the Poongsan cultivar was more severely affected. We propose that Al-induced growth inhibition is correlated with changes in PM H⁺-ATPase activity, which is linked to the exudation of citric acid in the root apex.     

Boron-Calcium Synergically Alleviates Aluminum Toxicity in Wheat Plants (Triticum aestivum L.)

The effects of B and Ca treatments on root growth, nutrient localization and cell wall properties in wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) plants with and without Al stress were investigated. Seedlings were grown hydroponically in a complete nutrient solution for 7 d and then treated with B (0, 40 μM), Ca (0, 2,500 μM), and Al (0, 100 μM) in a 500 μM CaCl₂ solution for 8 d. The cell wall materials (CWM) were extracted with a phenol: acetic acid: water (2:1:1 w/v/v) solution and used for subsequent pectin extraction with trans -1,2-diami-nocyclohexane- N,N,N,N -tetraacetic acid (CDTA) and Na₂CO₃ solutions. Boron, Ca, and B + Ca treatments enhanced root growth by 19.5, 15.2, and 27.2%, respectively, compared to the control (pH 4.5). Calcium and B+Ca treatments enhanced root growth with Al stress by 43 and 54%, respectively, while B did not exert any effect. The amounts of CWM and pectin per unit of root fresh weight increased by Al treatment, whereas the Ca and B+Ca treatments slightly reduced the contents of these components. Seventy-four percent of total B, 69% of total Ca, and 85% of total Al were located in the cell wall in the B, Ca, and Al treatments, respectively and 32% of total B, 33% of total Ca, and 33% of total Al were located in the CDTA-soluble and Na₂CO₃-soluble pectin fractions. A more conspicuous localization of B was observed in the presence of Al. Aluminum treatment markedly decreased the Ca content in the cell wall as well as pectin fractions, mainly in the case of the CDTA-soluble pectin fraction. Boron + Ca treatment decreased the Al content in the cell wall and pectin fractions compared to the Ca treatment alone in the presence of Al. It is concluded that the B+Ca treatment enhanced root growth and, B and Ca uptake, and helped to maintain a normal B and Ca metabolism in the cell walls even in the presence of Al.     

硼对不同硼效率甘蓝型油菜品种细胞壁组成的影响

采用营养液培养技术 ,研究B对不同B效率油菜品种细胞壁组成的影响。结果表明 ,根系细胞壁提取率及细胞壁纤维素含量高于叶片 ,果胶含量低于叶片 ,半纤维素含量和叶片差异不大。缺B使细胞壁提取率升高 ,但对根系和叶片细胞壁组成的影响不显著。不同B效率油菜品种细胞壁组成在根系和下部叶中差异不大 ,上部叶片高效品种螯合剂可溶性果胶含量显著高于低效品种 ,碱溶性果胶含量显著低于低效品种 ;半纤维素和纤维素含量及果胶总量差异不大     

Mist culture for mass harvesting of root border cells: aluminum effects

Root border cells, which form a cell layer around the root tip, seem to play multiple roles in the rhizosphere of the apical root. As these cells (species‐dependent dozens to several thousand per root tip) are rapidly sloughed off in water, studies in hydroponic culture fail to elucidate their role in most conventional physiological studies. The common method for harvesting these cells consists in germination of seeds in a humid atmosphere (usually a Petri dish), but labor and time constraints allow to yield only very limited amounts of uniform cells. We thus developed a low‐cost mist‐culture method, where intact border cells can be collected in the range of several grams. We applied this technique in a preliminary experiment where the influence of aluminum (Al) supply on calcium (Ca) release and viability of this cell type was studied. Purified detached border cells of pea were incubated with 0, 50, and 500 mmol m^–3 AlCl₃ solution (pH 4.5) for 90 min at a ratio of 3 × 10⁵ cells (4 mL)^–1. After incubation, cells contained 4.27 and 13.28 mg Al g^–1 C at 50 mmol m^–3 and 500 mmol m^–3 AlCl₃, respectively, while their total Ca content decreased correspondingly. Cell viability of border cells as tested by fluorescein diacetate‐propidium iodide (FDA‐PI) fluorescence yielded unexpected results: the test exhibited significantly lower vitality at 50, but not at 500 mmol m^–3 AlCl₃. Assessing mitochondrial activity by 3‐(4,5)‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl‐2,5 diphenyl‐tetrazolium‐bromide (MTT) reduction showed that viability decreased in a dose‐dependent manner with increasing Al concentrations. This apparent contradiction is attributed to the formation of dense mucilage around border cells at high Al concentrations, which likely inhibits the access of the dye PI or may chemically inactivate this compound and thus wrongly suggest higher viability. Mist culture allows harvesting selectively large amounts of homogeneous border cells quickly and to study their physiological reactions separated from the root tip.     

Effect of aluminum on variations in the proteins in pineapple roots

Abstract

Aluminum (Al) is biotoxic, often active in acid soil and retards the growth of crop roots. Cayenne is a type of pineapple cultivar that can be well cultivated in a strongly acid environment containing AlCl₃ concentrations up to 300?μmol?L^?1. In addition to organic acids, variations in the proteins in root apices are regarded as the mechanism involved in Al resistance. The objective of the present study was to explore the responsive proteins of Al stress in a known Al-resistant pineapple cultivar (i.e. Cayenne). After root emergence, pineapple seedlings were exposed to hydroponic solutions each containing 0 and 300?μmol?L^?1 AlCl₃ for 4?weeks. The total proteins in the root apices were separated using 2-D electrophoresis and a total of 17 apparently differential spots were identified by mass spectrometry, with 10 upregulated and seven downregulated proteins. The root apices of Cayenne under Al stress could be characterized by cellular activities involved in, for example, carbohydrate metabolism, organic acid production, energy metabolism, alleviating redox damage and root phenotypical change, which are critical for plant survival under Al toxicity. In contrast, there are one hypothetical and three unknown proteins that play unknown roles in Al resistance and warrant further investigation. The present study may provide an important clue to future proteomic research on Al-resistant mechanisms in pineapple.     

Aluminum toxicity in plant cells: Mechanisms of cell death and inhibition of cell elongation

Aluminum (Al) ions are a major constraint for crop productivity in acidic soils. The root apex is the most sensitive plant part to Al, which inhibits root elongation and causes cell death. To elucidate the mechanisms of these toxic events, Al responses have been investigated in cultured cell lines of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum), SL and BY-2. These cells at the logarithmic growth phase serve as a model system of meristematic cells at the root apex. Our research group has revealed three types of cell death mechanisms triggered by Al: (i) Enhancement of iron (Fe)-mediated lipid peroxidation leading to a loss of plasma membrane integrity (plasma membrane pathway); (ii) dysfunction of mitochondria accompanied by ROS production (mitochondria pathway); and (iii) upregulation of NtVPE1 encoding a vacuolar processing enzyme (VPE), which leads to vacuolar collapse and the loss of plasma membrane integrity (vacuole pathway). Mechanisms (ii) and (iii) have been confirmed in root systems of pea and tobacco seedlings, respectively. The inhibition of elongation (expansion) in SL cells was detected as a decrease in water content, together with decreased osmolality and soluble sugar content, which was partly due to the inhibition of sucrose uptake by Al. The inhibition of root elongation by Al due to the inhibition of the sucrose transporter (SUT) NtSUT1 localized at the plasma membrane was confirmed in tobacco seedlings, in which overexpression of NtSUT1 mitigated both the inhibition of elongation and cell death at the root apex under Al stress.     

Assessment of aluminum sensitivity of maize cultivars using roots of intact plants and excised root tips

Maize cultivars (Zea mays L.) were evaluated for their aluminum (Al) sensitivity using intact plants and excised root tips exposed to 25 μM Al in nutrient solution of low ionic strength and pH 4.3. Aluminum supply increased callose formation and Al concentrations in root tips of intact plants as well as in excised root tips. Using intact plants, differences in Al sensitivity among cultivars could be characterized by Al‐induced callose formation, Al‐induced inhibition of root elongation, as well as Al contents in root tips as parameters. Significant correlations between Al‐induced callose formation and Al contents in root tips (r² = 0.64**) and inhibition of root elongation (r² = 0.80***) were found. Excised root tips did not show a significant Al‐induced inhibition of root elongation. While average Al‐induced callose formation was similar for root tips of intact plants and excised root tips, mean Al contents in excised root tips were up to 1.5‐fold higher than in root tips of intact plants after 24 h of Al treatment. Aluminum‐induced callose formation as found in excised root tips did neither correspond to Al‐induced callose formation nor to inhibition of root elongation of intact plants. The addition of 10 mM glucose to the incubation medium led to a significant increase in the elongation of excised root tips and a 2‐3‐fold increase in Al‐induced callose formation. Staining with triphenyl‐tetrazolium‐chloride (TTC) revealed increased viability of these root segments. However, these effects of glucose supply did not improve the characterization of the cultivars for Al resistance. The results presented suggest that Al exclusion mechanisms expressed in root tips of intact plants might be non‐operational in excised root tips. Therefore, the characterization of maize germplasm for Al resistance using excised root tips appears not to be reliable.     

Anatomical responses of root tips to boron deficiency II. Effect of boron deficiency on the cellular growth and development in root tips

Changes induced in the tissue structure and the cellular patterns of young tomato root tips by the absence of boron in the nutrient solution were investigated.

Boron deficiency caused primarily the inhibition of cell division and cell elongation in root apices, and the cells of boron-deficient root tips were fully vacuolated. The cell wall in the apical region was thickened by boron deficiency and the intercellular spaces insufficiently developed.

Boron deficiency also caused the radial enlargement of cortical cells, especially of endodermis, but this enlargement was not accompanied by an increase in water imbibition. In the advanced stage of boron deficiency, the disintegration of tissue structure had occurred.

Primordia of lateral roots arose closely in root apices. Maturation of the vascular system, especially of the primary xylem, was exasperated abnormally, and frequently there occurred a differentiation of cambial layers close to the apical initials.

Anatomical effects of boron deficiency appeared particularly in the root apex and not clearly in the region of successive maturation. The results are discussed with regards to the role of boron in cellular growth at apical growing points.

The results are discussed with regards to the role of boron in cellular growth at apical growing points.     

Mechanisms of aluminum‐induced growth stimulation in tea (Camellia sinensis)

Beneficial effects of aluminum (Al) on plant growth have been reported for plant species adapted to acid soils. However, mechanisms underlying the stimulatory effect of Al have not been fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to determine the possible contribution of photosynthesis, antioxidative defense, and the metabolism of both nitrogen and phenolics to the Al‐induced growth stimulation in tea (Camellia sinensis [L.] Kuntze) plants. In hydroponics, shoot growth achieved its maximum at 50 μM Al suply (24 μM Al³⁺ activity). A more than threefold increase of root biomass was observed for plants supplied with 300 μM Al (125 μM Al³⁺ activity). Total root length was positively related to root Al concentrations (r = 0.98). Chlorophyll a and carotenoid concentrations and net assimilation rates were considerably enhanced by Al supply in the young but not in the old leaves. Activity of nitrate reductase was not influenced by Al. Higher concentrations of soluble nitrogen compounds (nitrate, nitrite, amino acids) and reduction of protein concentrations suggest Al‐induced protein degradation. This occurred concomitantly with enhanced net CO₂‐assimilation rates and carbohydrate concentrations. Aluminum treatments activated antioxidant defense enzymes and increased free proline content. Lowering of malondialdehyde concentrations by Al supply indicates that membrane integrity was not impaired by Al. Leaves and roots of Al‐treated plants had considerably lower phenolic and lignin concentrations in the cell walls, but a higher proportion of soluble phenolics. In conclusion, Al‐induced growth stimulation in tea plants was mediated by higher photosynthesis rate and increased antioxidant defense. Additionally, greater root surface area may improve water and nutrient uptake by the plants.