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     

Molecular Aspect of Al Tolerance in Crop Plants: Novel Al-Activated Malate Transporter Gene in Wheat Roots

Aluminum (Al) is a major element in the soil; 30–40% of arable land is acidic. Solubilized Al ion in acid soils inhibits root elongation. Intensive research on the Al tolerance mechanism has been conducted in the past few decades. Mechanism of Al tolerance can be classified into Al exclusion mechanism and intracellular tolerance mechanism. Efflux of organic acids from roots upon receiving the Al signal is the major Al exclusion mechanism. Efflux of organic acids through the channel in the plasma membrane was confirmed, and the gene specifically encoding malate transporter in Al-tolerant wheat was discovered recently. The regulatory mechanism in the efflux of organic acids upon protein phosphorylation may be operative. The production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and their scavenging system are thought to be important in the intracellular tolerance mechanism.     

铝和镉胁迫对两个大麦品种矿质营养和根系分泌物的影响

A hydroponic experiment was carried out to study the effect of aluminum （Al） and cadmium （Cd） on Al and mineral nutrient contents in plants and Al-induced organic acid exudation in two barley varieties with different Al tolerance. Al- sensitive cv. Shang 70-119 had significantly higher Al content and accumulation in plants than Al-tolerant cv. Gebeina, especially in roots, when subjected to low pH （4.0） and Al treatments （100 μmol L^-1 Al and 100 μmol L^-1 Al ＋1.0 μmol L^-1 Cd）. Cd addition increased Al content in plants exposed to Al stress. Both low pH and Al treatments caused marked reduction in Ca and Mg contents in all plant parts, P and K contents in the shoots and leaves, Fe, Zn and Mo contents in the leaves, Zn and B contents in the shoots, and Mn contents both in the roots and leaves. Moreover, changes in nutrient concentrations were greater in the plants exposed to both Al and Cd than in those exposed only to Al treatment. A dramatic enhancement of malate, citrate, and succinate was found in the plants exposed to 100 μmol L^-1 Al relative to the control, and the Al-tolerant cultivar had a considerable higher exudation of these organic acids than the Al-sensitive one, indicating that Al-induced enhancement of these organic acids is very likely to be associated with Al tolerance.     

Variation of wheat root exudates under aluminum stress

The wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivar Yangzhou 158 was used as a reference. The wheat root exudates were collected using a hydroponic mode. The changes of the electrolytes, H+, sugar, organic acids, amino acids, and secondary metabolites in wheat root exudates induced by aluminum (Al) were studied. The research results show that Al stress affects wheat root exudation. The secreted electrolytes and sugar increase with the increasing of the external Al3+ concentration. The total amount of secreted amino acids has a specific correlation with the external Al3+ concentration. At first, the amino acids secrete normally, but when Al3+ concentration is over 10 mg.L-1, the amino acid constitution varies obviously. Under Al stress, some original secondary metabolites disappear gradually, and other new secondary metabolites release simultaneously. Increasing the external Al3+ concentration gradually stimulates the exudation of organic acids. The organic acid levels in the wheat root zone increase in response to Al treatments. Active Al ions are accumulated in wheat roots. This Al-dependent variation in wheat root exudates suggests a specific Al-induced response of the wheat.     

Citrate Secretion Induced by Aluminum Stress May Not be a Key Mechanism Responsible for Differential Aluminum Tolerance of Some Soybean Genotypes

Abstract

Eighteen soybean genotypes differing in aluminum (Al) tolerance were used to investigate genotypic differences in Al-induced citrate exudation and its role in Al tolerance. Aluminum accumulation and localization in soybean roots were examined by analysis of total Al and hematoxylin staining. Soybean genotypes exhibited a wide range of Al tolerance. Based on relative root elongation, several Al-tolerant genotypes from Brazil such as B1, B10, and B15 were more tolerant than the Al-tolerant PI 416937 (PI) and Perry. All soybeans exuded citrate in response to Al stress, and some Al-sensitive genotypes secreted more citrate than tolerant ones, showing no correlation between the Al tolerance and Al-induced citrate exudation. Further study found that both copper (Cu) and cadmium (Cd) stimulated citrate and malate exudation in soybean, indicating that organic acid secretion is not specifically induced by Al. Aluminum concentrations were significantly higher in 2–3 and 3–4 cm of segments than that in 0–1 and 1–2 cm segments under 15 μM AlCl₃. Both the root mature zone and apex were heavily stained by hematoxylin after exposure to 10, 15, or 20 μM AlCl₃ (24 h), whereas root elongation zone was not stained. After exposure to 50 μM AlCl₃ for 20 min, the Al-tolerant PI was less stained by hematoxylin than the Al-sensitive Young, suggesting that Al accumulation in root apices seem to be an immediate response to Al stress, and related to differential Al sensitivity. Present results suggest that citrate secretion induced by Al stress may not be a key mechanism responsible for the differential Al tolerance of some soybean genotypes and other mechanism(s) conferring Al exclusion should exist and operate immediately after exposure to Al stress.     

Nature and mechanisms of aluminium toxicity,tolerance and amelioration in symbiotic legumes and rhizobia

Recent findings on the effect of aluminium (Al) on the functioning of legumes and their associated microsymbionts are reviewed here. Al represents 7% of solid matter in the Earth’s crust and is an important abiotic factor that alters microbial and plant functioning at very early stages. The trivalent Al (Al³⁺) dominates at pH <?5 in soils and becomes a constraint to legume productivity through its lethal effect on rhizobia, the host plant and their interaction. Al³⁺ has lethal effects on many aspects of the rhizobia/legume symbiosis, which include a decrease in root elongation and root hair formation, lowered soil rhizobial population, and suppression of nitrogen metabolism involving nitrate reduction, nitrite reduction, nitrogenase activity and the functioning of uptake of hydrogenases (Hup), ultimately impairing the N₂ fixation process. At the molecular level, Al is known to suppress the expression of nodulation genes in symbiotic rhizobia, as well as the induction of genes for the formation of hexokinase, phosphodiesterase, phosphooxidase and acid/alkaline phosphatase. Al toxicity can also induce the accumulation of reactive oxygen species and callose, in addition to lipoperoxidation in the legume root elongation zone. Al tolerance in plants can be achieved through over-expression of citrate synthase gene in roots and/or the synthesis and release of organic acids that reverse Al-induced changes in proteins, as well as metabolic regulation by plant-secreted microRNAs. In contrast, Al tolerance in symbiotic rhizobia is attained via the production of exopolysaccharides, the synthesis of siderophores that reduce Al uptake, induction of efflux pumps resistant to heavy metals and the expression of metal-inducible (dmeRF) gene clusters in symbiotic Rhizobiaceae. In soils, Al toxicity is usually ameliorated through liming, organic matter supply and use of Al-tolerant species. Our current understanding of crop productivity in high Al soils suggests that a much greater future accumulation of Al is likely to occur in agricultural soils globally if crop irrigation is increased under a changing climate.     

铝胁迫对小麦根尖细胞蛋白质及苹果酸分泌的影响

以一对近等位基因小麦品系(ET8和ES8)为材料,研究了铝胁迫条件下根系生长情况,根尖铝含量,根尖细胞质蛋白组分以及铝胁迫下两个小麦品系苹果酸分泌的差异。结果表明,小麦品系ET8的耐铝性明显高于ES8;而ET8根尖铝含量则明显低于ES8;50mol/L铝处理24h后ES8小麦的细胞质蛋白组成受到明显影响,而ET8则无明显影响。由于铝胁迫条件下ET8分泌的苹果酸的量明显高于ES8,因此可以认为,分泌的苹果酸一方面与铝结合使其无毒化;另一方面将铝排斥于根尖细胞外,从而阻止铝进入细胞质内对细胞产生毒害作用。     

铝诱导大豆根系有机酸分泌的能量消耗的定量研究

铝诱导大豆根系有机酸分泌是其解铝毒的一种重要机制,该过程需要消耗能量,然而有关能量消耗的定量研究还未见报道。本文比较了铝胁迫条件下,两个大豆品种根尖有机酸分泌、 腺苷酸、 无机磷、 细胞质pH值等指标的变化。结果表明,铝处理（25 mol/L）明显诱导大豆根系苹果酸和柠檬酸的分泌。与对照相比,铝胁迫条件下中豆32和本地2号的根尖ATP含量分别降低40.1%和13.2%,根系细胞质子跨膜电化学势差分别增加1711.8和570.6 J/mol,然而,根尖无机磷浓度变化差异不大。运用Nernst-Gibbs方程定量计算自由能变化,发现中豆32和本地2号根尖细胞自由能分别消耗16.13 kJ/mol和14.59 kJ/mol, 中豆32分泌单位苹果酸和柠檬酸的能量消耗分别为0.96 kJ/mol和3.15 kJ/mol,本地2号则为2.01 kJ/mol和5.68 kJ/mol。这表明不同耐铝性大豆品种分泌有机酸消耗的能量存在差异,该结果为筛选耐铝作物品种提供了新思路。     

Acid soil tolerances of wheat lines selected for high grain protein content

Literature suggests that nitrogen (N) metabolism is involved in differential acid soil (Al) tolerances among wheat (Triticwn aestivum L. en Thell) genotypes. Atlas 66 wheat is characterized by acid soil and aluminum (Al) tolerance, nitrate (NO₃ ^‐) preference, pH increase of the rhizosphere, high nitrate reductase activity, and high protein in the grain. Atlas 66 has been used as a high protein gene donor in the development of new high protein wheat lines at Lincoln, NE. The objective of our study was to determine the acid soil tolerances of such lines and to relate such tolerances to their abilities to accumulate grain protein when grown on near‐neutral, non‐toxic soils. Twenty‐five experimental lines, nine cultivars not previously classified as Al‐tolerant or ‐sensitive and three cultivars previously classified according to acid soil tolerance, were grown for 28 days in greenhouse pots of acid, Al‐toxic Tatum subsoil. Relative shoot dry weight (pH 4.35/pH 5.41%) varied from 83.2% for Atlas 66 to 19.3% for Siouxland. Atlas 66 was significantly more tolerant to the acid soil than all other entries except Edwall. Yecorro Roja and Cardinal were intermediate in tolerance. None of the high protein lines approached Atlas 66 in tolerance, but two lines (N87U106 and N87U123) were comparable to Cardinal (relative shoot yield = 54%) which is used on acid soils in Ohio. At pH 4.35, the most acid soil tolerant entries contained significantly lower Al and significantly higher potassium (K) concentrations in their shoots than did sensitive entries. Shoots of acid soil sensitive entries, Scout 66, Siouxland, Plainsman V, and Anza contained deficient or near deficient concentrations of K when grown at pH 4.35. Acid soil tolerance was not closely related to calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), phosphorus (P), manganese (Mn), or iron (Fe) concentrations at pH 4.35. Liming the soil to pH 5.41 tended to equalize Al and K concentrations in shoots of tolerant and sensitive entries. Results indicated that acid soil tolerance and grain protein concentrations were not strongly linked in the wheat populations studied. Hence, the probability of increasing acid soil tolerance by crossing Atlas 66 with Nebraskan wheat germplasm is low. However, the moderate level of acid soil tolerance in N87U106 and N87U123 (comparable to that of Cardinal) may be useful in further studies.     

铝胁迫下不同耐铝性小麦根际pH值变化及其与耐铝性的关系

Al3＋是植物铝毒害的主要形态,而其活性受环境pH值的影响,H＋-ATPase通过调节根的质子分泌改变根际pH值。为探讨铝胁迫下根际pH值变化与小麦耐铝性的关系,以小麦品种ET8（耐铝型）、ES8（铝敏感型）为试验材料,采用溶液培养的方法对铝胁迫下根际pH值及根尖H＋-ATPase活性变化进行了研究。结果表明,铝处理条件下,小麦根际pH值随培养时间的延长而升高;随培养液中铝浓度的增加,根际pH值上升幅度下降,相同铝浓度处理条件下ET8根际pH值显著高于ES8。根际pH值与根尖铝含量呈极显著负相关（R2=0.932 1）,与根相对伸长率呈极显著正相关（R2=0.858 5）,表明小麦通过提高根际pH值降低根尖铝含量,减轻铝毒害。根尖H＋-ATPase活性随铝处理浓度升高而显著降低,100 μmol·L-1Al处理24 h ET8和ES8根尖H＋-ATPase活性分别为各自无铝处理的69.8%和60.0%,根尖H＋-ATPase相对活性与根际pH值呈极显著负相关（R2=0.831 9）。温度显著影响根的伸长,低温处理（9 ℃）根际pH值显著高于常温处理（25 ℃）,而根尖铝含量却显著低于常温处理。表明小麦通过根尖H＋-ATPase提高根际pH值降低铝毒害。综上所述,铝胁迫下小麦可通过提高根际pH值减轻铝毒害,不同耐铝性小麦品种根际pH值的显著差异是耐铝性差异显著的     

Tolerance of durum wheat lines to an acid,aluminum‐toxic subsoil

Durum wheat, Triticum durum Desf., is reportedly more sensitive to aluminum (Al) toxicity in acid soils than hexaploid wheat, Triticum aestivum L. em. Thell. Aluminum‐tolerant genotypes would permit more widespread use of this species where it is desired, but not grown, because of acid soil constraints. Durum wheat germplasm has not been adequately screened for acid soil (Al) tolerance. Fifteen lines of durum wheat were grown for 28 days in greenhouse pots of acid, Al‐toxic Tatum subsoil at pH 4.5, and non‐toxic soil at pH 6.0. Aluminum‐tolerant Atlas 66 and sensitive Scout 66 hexaploid wheats were also included as standards. Based on relative shoot and root dry weight (wt. at pH 4.5/wt. at pH 6.0 X 100), durum entries differed significantly in tolerance to the acid soil. Relative shoot dry weight alone was an acceptable indicator of acid soil tolerance. Relative dry weights ranged from 55.1 to 15.5% for shoots and from 107 to 15.8% for roots. Durum lines PI 195726 (Ethiopia) and PI 193922 (Brazil) were significantly more tolerant than all other entries, even the Al‐tolerant, hexaploid Atlas 66 standard. Hence, these two lines have potential for direct use on acid soils or as breeding materials for use in developing greater Al tolerance in durum wheat. Unexpectedly, the range of acid soil tolerance available in durum wheat appears comparable to that in the hexaploid species. Hence, additional screening of durum wheat germplasm for acid soil (Al) tolerance appears warranted. Durum lines showing least tolerance to the acid soil included PI 322716 (Mexico), PI 264991 (Greece), PI 478306 (Washington State, USA), and PI 345040 (Yugoslavia). The Al‐sensitive Scout 66 standard was as sensitive as the most sensitive durum lines. Concentrations of Al and phosphorus were significantly higher in shoots of acid soil sensitive than in those of tolerant lines, and these values exceeded those reported to cause Al and phosphorus (P) toxicities in wheat and barley.     

Comparison of the early response to aluminum stress between tolerant and sensitive wheat cultivars: Root growth,aluminum content and efflux of K+

In order to characterize the mechanism of Al tolerance (Atlas 66) and Al sensitivity (Scout 66) in two cultivars of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), the early responses to Al stress under acidic conditions were investigated. Marked inhibition of root elongation of Scout was observed upon treatment with 10 μM AlCl₃ for less than 3 h. The inhibition of root elongation of Scout was reversed within 3 days when the treated samples were transferred to a solution without Al. However, treatment for 6 h with AlCl₃ repressed root elongation almost completely and irreversibly. Root elongation of Atlas was only partially inhibited by the treatment with 10 μM AlCl₃ for more than 6 h. Levels of Al in two portions of roots, namely, portions 0–5 mm and 5–10 mm from the tip, were lower in Atlas than those in Scout. In Atlas the levels of Al on a fresh weight basis in both portions were very similar, while the level of Al in the portion 0–5 mm from the tip was almost double than that in the 5–10 mm portion in Scout. A distinct increase in levels of Al in the 0–5 mm portion over that in the 5–10 mm portion of Scout was observed even after 3 h of treatment with AlCl₃.

Both Atlas and Scout were preloaded with K⁺ at pH 5.5 and transferred to distilled water at various pH values to monitor the efflux of K⁺. A reduction in the pH induced increases in the efflux of K⁺ in both cultivars, and the rate of efflux in Scout was twice that in Atlas at pH 4.2. AlCl₃ at concentrations as low as 5 μM markedly repressed K⁺efflux at pH 4.2 and this effect was more pronounced in Scout. Ca²⁺ also had a repressive effect on K⁺ efflux, while EGTA increased K⁺ efflux. Vanadate increased K⁺ efflux, a result that suggests the involvement of a H⁺ pump in K⁺ efflux. Ca²+ failed to repress the increased efflux of K⁺ caused by vanadate while Al repressed the K⁺ efflux even in the presence of vanadate. These results suggest that a low extracellular pH may cause an increase in the cytoplasmic concentration of H⁺ that is followed by depolarization of the plasma membrane, which may be modified by the efflux of K⁺ and H⁺. The characteristic difference in terms of K⁺ efflux between Atlas and Scout at low pH may be caused by differences associated with plasma membrane potentials, as follows. The net influx of H+ at low pH, which causes depolarization of the plasma membrane, is higher in Scout than in Atlas. The difference in the net influx of H⁺ may be regulated in part by Ca2⁺, that either repress the influx of H⁺ or the activate of the H⁺ pump. Inhibition of K⁺ efflux by Al, which tends to depolarize the plasma membrane at low pH, may be an important factor in determining sensitivity and/or tolerance to Al.     

铝胁迫下大豆根系脱落酸累积与柠檬酸分泌的关系研究

为探讨铝(Al)胁迫条件下脱落酸(ABA)调控植物根系有机酸分泌的机制,进行了ABA与Al诱导大豆根系柠檬酸分泌的关系试验。结果表明:1)外源ABA和ABA合成抑制剂fluridone分别提高和降低了Al诱导的大豆根尖ABA含量的增加,但对根系柠檬酸分泌量均无影响,ABA对根系内源柠檬酸含量和柠檬酸合成酶的活性也没有影响;2)分根试验表明,与Al直接接触的根部(Part A)内源ABA含量发生变化,且有柠檬酸的分泌,而不与Al直接接触的根部(Part B)内源ABA含量也发生变化,但没有柠檬酸分泌;3)Al胁迫下,大豆耐Al基因型柠檬酸分泌量远高于敏感基因型,但二者的内源ABA含量却没有差异;4)30μmol AlCl3处理,在0~12 h柠檬酸分泌速率和内源ABA含量随Al处理时间增加而增加,去除Al胁迫时(12~18 h),柠檬酸分泌速率继续增加,但内源ABA含量则迅速下降。综合以上结果,推测ABA不是通过提高Al诱导柠檬酸分泌来调控大豆耐Al性。     

Rhizosphere pH Profile of Rice Plant Influenced by Al Treatment

To study the mechanisms of Al tolerance in rice, we focused on the change of rhizosphere pH. The 4-d seedlings were treated with Al solution (0, 10, 50 mM) for 24 h. Then each sample was put on an agarose gel including bromocresol green, so that the color of the gel indicated pH change. During 2-h contact, the pH of rhizosphere was decreased gradually, especially for Al-treated samples, showing the specific pH profiles along the root axis. Pretreatment of sample plants with a decoupling reagent 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP) or a plasma membrane H⁺-ATPase inhibitor Na₃VO₄ did not decrease rhizosphere pH. Therefore, it was suggested that the H⁺ secretion activity was involved with Al-tolerant mechanisms of rice.     

植物耐铝机理研究进展

铝毒是酸性土壤上作物生产的主要限制因子,植物耐铝机理以及与耐铝有关基因的研究是近十多年来研究的热点。本文对植物耐铝的生理、遗传及分子机理的研究进展作了综述。明确了目前取得的突破性进展已使通过植物遗传育种及生物技术手段提高粮食作物耐铝性成为可能;同时,本文对今后的研究方向作了简要的讨论。     

The Effects of AlCl3 Additions on Rhizosphere Soil and Fine Root Chemistry of Sugar Maple (Acer Saccharum)

Increased Al mobilization and Ca and Mg leaching have been linked to nutritional imbalances in sugar maple across the northeastern US and Canada. The susceptibility of sugar maple fine roots to Al stress is poorly understood, in part because roots respond to Al stress by altering the chemistry of the rhizosphere. AlCl₃ was applied to plots of sugar maple at the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest, NH. After two years of treatment, we sampled fine roots of sugar maple, rhizosphere soil, and bulk soil in the Oa horizon and the upper 10 cm of the mineral soil. AlCl₃ treatments resulted in significantly less Ca (21%) and Mg (30%) in fine roots from the organic horizon, but had no significant effect on fine root Al. Fine root (Ca+Mg):Al ratios were 42% lower in AlCl₃ plots than in controls, though most roots had ratios above critical toxicity thresholds developed for hydroponically grown sugar maple seedlings. In the mineral horizon, roots differed only in Mg concentration, which was 22% lower in AlCl₃ plots. In the AlCl₃ treated plots, rhizosphere soil in the organic horizon had 47% greater Al and 29% less Mg than in controls. Combining data from both treatments we found significantly less Al and organically bound Al in rhizosphere soil than in bulk soil, possibly due to leaching of Al from the rhizosphere by organic acids released by roots. These results suggest that increased mobilization of Al in soil lowers (Ca+Mg):Al ratios in sugar maple fine roots, though roots may minimize Al stress by leaching Al from the rhizosphere.     

Screening wheat and sorghum cultivars for aluminum sensitivity at low aluminum levels

Screening cultivars for aluminum (Al) tolerance is often conducted in acid soils or in complete nutrient solutions. The former method lacks precise measurements of Al, and the second requires high Al concentrations because of precipitation and chelation of the Al and is less representative of the actual environmental stresses to which plants must adapt. These experiments were designed to determine Al tolerance of wheat (Triticum aestivum L. em Thell) and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) using incomplete solutions with very low Al concentrations. Six wheat and five sorghum cultivars were screened for Al tolerance in solution culture with 0 to 10 μM Al and only Ca, K, Mg, NO₃, and Cl in the solutions. Plants were subjected to the solutions for 4 d, and the change in relative root length was measured. Solution Al levels and pH were measured after the termination of the experiments. ‘Atlas’ 66 and ‘Stacy’ were the most tolerant wheat cultivars ('Atlas 66’ = ‘Stacy’ ≥ ‘Monon’ ≥ ‘Scout 66’ ≥ ‘Arthur 71’ = ‘Oasis'). The wheat cultivars were effectively separated on a genetic response basis at 2 μM Al. Sorghum cultivars were uniform in their Al tolerance, but did show some separation at 1 μM Al (SC56 > Tx430 > ‘Funk GS22DR’ > SC283 = SC599). The pH and Al variations did not account for any of the differences observed, indicating that root length differences were caused by genetic control of response to high Al.     

Ectomycorrhizal Association Enhances Al Tolerance by Inducing Citrate Secretion in Pinus densiflora

To investigate the effects of ectomycorrhizal association on the aluminum (Al) tolerance of Pinus densiflora Sieb. & Zucc., seedlings with or without ectomycorrhizal association with the fungus Pisolithus tinctorius (Pers.) Coker & Couch were exposed to 1 mM Al. Association with P. tinctorius alleviated Al-induced inhibition of root elongation and biomass growth in the mycorrhizal seedlings. Secretion of malate and citrate, both low-molecular-weight organic acids that could detoxify Al by the formation of stable complexes, was investigated in P. tinctorius mycelia and in pine roots with and without P. tinctorius association. Citrate secretion from the P. tinctorius mycelia in vitro was stimulated by Al. Citrate secretion from the roots of the ectomycorrhizal seedlings was also stimulated by Al, but was not detected in the non-mycorrhizal seedlings. These results suggest that citrate secreted from the roots of the ectomycorrhizal seedlings was produced in the hyphae of P. tinctorius. Citrate secretion may play a role in enhancing the Al tolerance of host seedlings.     

Physiological Mechanisms of Al Resistance in Higher Plants

Aluminum (Al) ion is toxic to plant growth, while the resistance to Al toxicity varies widely among plant species. Accumulating evidence has shown that organic acids play an important role in both internal and external detoxification of Al. Two patterns of Al-induced secretion of organic acid anions have been characterized in the external detoxification. Involvement of ABA or protein phosphorylation in the activation of anion channel in Pattern I and less contribution of organic acid metabolism in Pattern II have been reported. Recently, gene or quantitative trait locus (QTL) for Al-activated secretion of organic acid anions has been identified. Other mechanisms of Al resistance are also reported such as pH increase in the rhizosphere. The formation of a non-toxic Al complex with organic acids or other chelators and sequestering these complexes in the vacuoles play an important role in internal detoxification of Al in Al-accumulating plants.     

Physiological Mechanisms of Al Resistance in Higher Plants

Aluminum (Al) ion is toxic to plant growth, while the resistance to Al toxicity varies widely among plant species. Accumulating evidence has shown that organic acids play an important role in both internal and external detoxification of Al. Two patterns of Al-induced secretion of organic acid anions have been characterized in the external detoxification. Involvement of ABA or protein phosphorylation in the activation of anion channel in Pattern I and less contribution of organic acid metabolism in Pattern II have been reported. Recently, gene or quantitative trait locus (QTL) for Al-activated secretion of organic acid anions has been identified. Other mechanisms of Al resistance are also reported such as pH increase in the rhizosphere. The formation of a non-toxic Al complex with organic acids or other chelators and sequestering these complexes in the vacuoles play an important role in internal detoxification of Al in Al-accumulating plants.