Role of water stress in differential aluminum tolerance of six sunflower cultivars grown in an acid soil

Six cultivars of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.), were screened under controlled environmental conditions for tolerance to Al stress and water stress imposed separately and in combination with one another. Plants were grown for 4 weeks in waxed cartons containing 1 kg of acid, Al‐toxic Tatum, subsoil (clayey, mixed, thermic, Typic Hapludult) at high (pH 4.3) or low (pH 6.3) Al stress. During the final 2 weeks they were also subjected to low (‐20 to ‐40 kPa) or high (‐60 to ‐80 kPa) water stress. Plant growth responses and symptoms of Al toxicity suggested that a wide range of cultivar sensitivity existed. ‘Manchurian’, ‘S‐212’, ‘S‐254’, and ‘S‐265’ were relatively tolerant to Al toxicity while cultlvars ‘Romania HS‐52’ and ‘RM‐52’ were extremely sensitive. Under high Al stress and high water stress, chloroplasts in cells from the Al‐sensitive cultivar ‘Romania HS‐52’ were smaller and contained less starch than chloroplasts from the Al‐tolerant cultivar ‘Manchurian’. Furthermore, the smaller chloroplasts tended to have fewer grana stacks per unit area than did the chloroplasts from tolerant plants. These differences were not apparent when the Al‐sensitive cultivar was grown either in the absence of Al or water stress. In general, Al‐sensitive cultivars of sunflower were more tolerant to water stress than were Al‐tolerant cultivars. Increasing the soil moisture level reduced Al toxicity in Al‐sensitive cultivars. Similarly, decreasing Al stress partially overcame the detrimental effects of high water stress. Hence, Al stress and water stress are interrelated factors which must be considered in the characterization and breeding of plants for better adaptation to acid soils.     

Mineral element concentration of two barley cultivars in relation to water deficit and aluminum toxicity

The separate and combined effects of water and Al stress on concentrations of P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, B, Al, Sr, and Ba were determined in tops of ‘Dayton’ (Al‐tolerant) and ‘Kearney’ (Al‐sensitive) barley (Hordeum vulgäre L.) grown in an acid, Al‐toxic, Tatum subsoil (clayey, mixed, thermic, Typic Hapludult). Plants were grown 4 weeks in a plant growth chamber at high (pH 4.7) or low (pH 6.6) Al stress. During the last 2 weeks they were also subjected to low (‐20 to ‐40 kPa), moderate (‐40 to ‐60 kPa), or high (‐60 to ‐80 kPa) water stress. In general, Al stress had a greater overall effect on mineral element concentration of tops than water stress. Aluminum stress significantly decreased concentrations of P, Ca, and Mg and increased concentrations of Zn, Sr, and Ba, irrespective of the cultivar or water stress treatment. Cultivar differences in Mn concentration were observed with Al stress under all water stress conditions. In each case, Mn concentration was lower in ‘Kearney’ than in ‘Dayton’. Potassium, Ca, and Mg were lower in ‘Kearney’ than in ‘Dayton’ only at low and moderate water stress, under low Al stress, ‘Kearney’ had significantly higher concentrations of K and Ca than did ‘Dayton’ under all water stress conditions. The effects of water stress on mineral element concentration varied greatly with cultivar, Al stress treatment, and severity of water stress. Under high Al stress, increasing drought conditions from low water stress (‐20 to ‐40 kPa) to high water stress (‐60 to ‐80 kPa) significantly increased the concentrations of Ca, K, Zn, Sr, and Ba in Al‐sensitive ‘Kearney’ and reduced the concentrations of Zn, Sr, and Ba in Al‐tolerant ‘Dayton'; P and Mg concentration were unaffected by water stress. In contrast, under low Al stress, a corresponding increase in water stress significantly increased the concentrations of Ca and reduced that of P in ‘Kearney’ and increased Ca and B concentration in ‘Dayton'; Mg concentrations were unaffected in either cultivar. Thus, it appears that Al stress and water stress had opposite effects on Ca accumulation in barley tissue.     

Acid soil tolerances of two wheat cultivars related to soil Ph,KCl‐extractable aluminum and degree of aluminum saturation

Aluminum toxicity, associated with soil acidity, is a major growth‐limiting factor for plants in many parts of the world. More precise criteria are needed for the identification of potential Al toxicity in acid soils. The objective of the current study was to relate the acid soil tolerances of two wheat cultivars to three characteristics of an acid Tatum subsoil (clayey, mixed, thermic, typic Hapludult): pH in a 1:1 soil to water suspension; KCl‐extractable Al; and degree of Al saturation. Aluminum‐tolerant ‘BH 1146’ (Brazil) and Al‐sensitive ‘Sonora 63’ (Mexico) wheat cultivars were grown in greenhouse pots of soil treated with CaCO₃ to establish final soil pH levels of 4.1, 4.6, 4.7, 4.9, 5.2 and 7.3. Soil Al, Ca and Mg were extracted with 1 N KCl, and Al saturation was calculated as KCl‐Al/KCl Al + Ca + Mg%.

Within the soil pH range of 4.1 to 4.9, BH 1146 tops and roots produced significantly more dry matter than did those of Sonora 63; however, at pH 5.2 and 7.3, the top and root yields of the two cultivars were not significantly different. Significant cultivar differences in yield occurred over a range of 36 to 82% saturation of the Tatum soil. Graphs of relative top or root yields against soil pH, KCl‐extractable Al and Al saturation indicated that the two cultivars could be separated for tolerance to Tatum soil under the following conditions: pH less than 5.2 (1:1 soil‐water); KCl‐Al levels greater than 2 c mole kg^‐1 and Al saturations greater than 20%. Results demonstrated that any soil test used to predict Al toxicity in acid soils must take into account the Al tolerances of the plant cultivars involved.     

Screening Kentucky bluegrass for aluminum tolerance

Aluminum (Al) toxicity is a growth‐limiting factor in acid soils for many turfgrasses. The genetic diversity among turfgrass cultivars for Al tolerance is not well known. One hundred‐fifty Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) genotypes (cultivars, selections, and breeding lines) belonging to seven ecotypes were selected to screen for Al tolerance under greenhouse conditions using solution culture, sand culture, and an acid Tatum subsoil (Clayey, mixed, thermic, typic, Hapludult). This soil had 69% exchangeable Al and a pH of 4.4. An Al concentration of 320 μM and a pH of 4.0 in a modified 1/4 strength Hoagland nutrient solution was used in solution screening and sand screening. The grasses were seeded and grown four to five weeks before harvesting. Differences were identified among cultivars and the seven ecotypes by measuring relative growth. ‘Battan’, ‘Viva’, and ‘Nassau’ were the most Al‐tolerant cultivars based on the rank average of the three screening methods. Among the seven ecotypes, BVMG, which refers to cultivars such as ‘Baron’, ‘Victa’, ‘Merit’, and ‘Gnome’, were most Al tolerant while Midwest ecotypes, which are frequently referred to as common Kentucky bluegrasses, consistently exhibited the least Al tolerance. The results indicate that the Kentucky bluegrass cultivars vary genetically in Al tolerance and that there is potential to improve such tolerance with breeding and to refine cultivar‐specific management recommendations regarding soil pH.     

Effects of excess soil manganese on stomatal function in two soybean cultivars

Manganese tolerant ‘Lee’ and Mn sensitive ‘Forrest’ soybean cultivars were grown in a potting soil with no known Mn toxicity and in Loring soil treated with excess Mn. Manganese toxicity in Loring soil was induced by the addition of Mn at 0, 100, 200 and 400 ug g^‐1 as MnSO₄.H₂O. A preliminary experiment was conducted to determine the appropriate Mn stress levels for Lee and Forrest soybean cultivars in Loring soil. Because the Loring soil produced severe Mn toxicity in both cultivars, even with an intial pH of 4.9 and no added Mn, CaCO₃ (2 g kg^‐1 ) was added to Increase the pH to 6–6.3. Soil was analysed for extractable and water soluble Mn and plants for Mn, Ca and Fe.

A second experiment was conducted to determine the effect of Mn toxicity on stomatal function. The procedure was the same as in the first experiment except that the CaCO₃ treatment was 2.5 g kg^‐1 to raise soil pH to 6.2 ‐6.5. Plants were grown in a greenhouse for 10 days and then moved to a growth chamber before making stomatal conductance measurements. A steady state porometer (LI 1600) was used. Results indicated that Mn toxicity closed stomates and decreased transpiration rates. This effect was more pronounced in Mn sensitive Forrest than in Mn tolerant Lee.     

Aluminum toxicity and high bulk density: Role in limiting shoot and root growth of selected aluminum indicator plants and eastern gamagrass in an acid soil

Abstract

Shallow rooting and susceptibility to drought are believed to be caused, at least in part, by strongly acidic (pH <5.5, 1:1 soil‐water), aluminum (Al)‐toxic subsoils. However, this hypothesis has not been clearly confirmed under field conditions. The Al toxicity hypothesis was tested on a map unit of Matawan‐Hammonton loam (0–2% slope) on unlimed and limed field plots (pH range 5.1 to 5.8) at Beltsville, MD, during 1994 to 1998. Aluminum‐tolerant and sensitive pairs of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), wheat [Triticum aestivum (L.)], snap bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] cultivars were used as indicator plants. Eastern gamagrass [Tripsacum dactyloides (L.) L.], cultivar ‘Pete’, reported to tolerate both chemical and physical stress factors in soils, was grown for comparison. Shoots of Al‐sensitive ‘Romano’ snap beans showed a significant response to liming of the 0–15 cm surface layer, but those of Al‐tolerant ‘Dade’ did not, indicating that Al toxicity was a growth limiting factor in this acid soil at pH 5.1. Lime response of the Al‐tolerant and sensitive cultivars of barley, wheat, and soybean were in the same direction but not significant at the 5% level. Aluminum‐tolerant and sensitive cultivars did not differ in abilities to root in the 15–30 cm soil depth. Only 9 to 25% of total roots were in this layer, and 75 to 91% were in the 0–15 cm zone. No roots were found in the 30–45 cm zone which had a pH of 4.9. Soil bulk density values of 1.44 and 1.50 g cm^?3 in the 15–30 and 30–45 cm zones, respectively, indicated that mechanical impedance was a primary root barrier. Results indicated that restricted shoot growth and shallow rooting of the Al‐indicator plants studied in this acid soil were due to a combination of Al toxicity and high soil bulk density. Confounding of the two factors may have masked the expected response of indicator plants to Al. These two growth restricting factors likely occur in many, if not most acid, problem subsoils. Studies are needed to separate these factors and to develop plant genotypes that have tolerance to multiple abiotic stresses. Unlike the Al indicator cultivars, eastern gamagrass showed high tolerance to acid, compact soils in the field and did not respond to lime applications (pH 5.1–5.8).     

Tolerances of wheat germplasm to acid subsoil

Aluminum toxicity is a major growth limiting factor for plants in many acid soils of the world. Correcting the problem by conventional liming is not always economically feasible, particularly in subsoils. Aluminum tolerant plants provide an alternative and long‐term supplemental solution to the problem. The genetic approach requires the identification of Al tolerance sources that can be transferred to cultivars already having desirable traits. Thirty‐five cultivars and experimental lines of wheat (Triticum aestivum L. em. Thell) were screened for Al tolerance on acid Tatum soil (clayey, mixed thermic, typic Hapludult) receiving either 0 or 3500 mg CaCO₃/kg (pH 4.1 vs. pH 7.1). Entries showed a wide range of tolerance to the acid soil. On unlimed soil at pH 4.3, absolute shoot dry weights differed by 5‐fold, absolute root dry weights by 6.5‐fold, relative shoot weights (wt. at pH 4.3/wt. at pH 7.1 %) by 4.7‐fold and relative root dry weights by 7‐fold. Superior acid soil (Al) tolerance of ‘BH‐1146’ from Brazil and extreme sensitivities of cultivars ‘Redcoat’ (Indiana, USA) and ‘Sonora 63’ (Mexico) were confirmed. Seven experimental (CNT) lines from Brazil showed a range of acid soil tolerance but were generally more tolerant than germplasm from Mexico and the USA. One line, ‘CNT‐1’, was equal to BH‐1146 in tolerance and may be useful in transferring Al tolerance to existing or new cultivars. Five durum cultivars (Triticum, durum, Desf.) were extremely sensitive to the acid Tatum subsoil at pH 4.3 compared with pH 7.1.     

Aluminum toxicity in tomato. Part 2. leaf gas exchange,chlorophyll content,and invertase activity

The effect of aluminum (Al) toxicity on leaf gas exchange, leaf chlorophyll content, and sucrose metabolizing enzyme activity of two tomato cultivars (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. ‘Mountain Pride’ and ‘Floramerica') was studied to determine the mechanism of growth reduction observed in a related study (Simon et al., 1994, Part 1). Plants were grown in diluted nutrient solution (pH 4.0) with 0, 10, 25, or 50 μM. Al for 16 days. Leaf gas exchange was reduced 2–3 fold in both cultivars as Al concentration increased. Gas exchange of ‘Mountain Pride’ was more sensitive to Al toxicity than ‘Floramerica’, agreeing with growth responses observed. Reductions in carbon dioxide (CO₂) assimilation rate appeared to be due to nonstomatal factors in ‘Floramerica’, but stomatal and non‐stomatal limitations in ‘Mountain Pride’. Chlorophyll content of leaves was not affected by Al. Acid invertase (AI) and neutral invertase (NI) activity of roots responded consistently to Al concentration in both cultivars. Root AI and NI activity decreased to a greater extent for ‘Mountain Pride’ than for ‘Floramerica’.     

Aluminum diffusion in Oxisols as influenced by soil water matric potential,ph, lime,gypsum, potassium chloride,and calcium phosphate

Abstract

Plant root exposure to soil aluminum (Al) depends on the soil solution Al concentration and transport to the root by diffusion. Changes in Al diffusive flux for two Oxisols was measured under laboratory conditions as a function of pH, water matric potential, and applications of gypsum, potassium chloride, and calcium phosphate. Double‐faced cation exchange resin sheets served as sinks for Al transported during 10‐day incubations through chambers containing 314 cm³ of soil. Across a range of soil pH values from 4.5 to 5.5, maximum diffusive flux of Al occurred at pH values of 4.7–4.8 in both soils and corresponded to increases of 2.2–3.0% relative to the unlimed treatment. Between pH values of 4.7–4.8 and 5.4, diffusive flux of Al decreased by 38 and 46% in the two Oxisols. Diffusive flux of Al decreased by 16–20% for the two Oxisols as soil water potentials decreased from ‐10 to ‐200 kPa. Magnitude of the reductions in diffusive flux of Al with decreasing soil water potential were less than those reported for diffusive flux of phosphorus (P) in prior investigations. Diffusive flux of Al increased by as much as 4‐fold with additions of CaSO₄ and KCl, which increased the soil solution Al concentration. Additions of 400 mg P dm^‐3 of soil had no effect on Al diffusion in either Oxisol.     

Effects of Boron on Aluminum Toxicity on Seedlings of Two Soybean Cultivars

Boron (B) is an essential micronutrient for higher plants. It has been suggested that addition of B at an optimal concentration might alleviate Al toxicity. Little information is available about B effects on soybean seedling growth under Al stress and differential alleviation of B on Al toxicity. In the present study, the seedlings of two soybean cultivars (Williams and Nanrong 73-935) were grown in a solution with factorial combinations of Al (0, 2, and 5 mM) and B (0, 5, and 50 μM) in a randomized complete block design experiment for 18 days. The results showed that high B was found to ameliorate Al toxicity by significantly increasing the growth characters including root length under 2 mM Al stress, and epicotyl length and fresh weight under 5 mM Al stress of the two cultivars. However, high B concentration did not significantly increase chlorophyll content under Al stress. Williams was more sensitive than Nanrong 73-935 on the growth characters and chlorophyll content under double stresses (B deficiency combined with Al toxicity), although they had similar sensitivity to B deficiency stress alone for growth characters. In addition, high B concentration was found to cause toxicity symptoms on root length and older leaves of both cultivars under no Al stress.     

Interacting effects of topsoil water and nitrogen supply on subsoil aluminium toxicity

Abstract

The interacting effects between topsoil water supply, nitrogen (N) placement and subsoil aluminum (Al) toxicity on wheat growth were studied in two split‐root pot experiments. The native nitrate‐N (NO₃‐N) in the topsoil used in each experiment differed and were designated as high (3706 μM) and low (687 μM) for experiments one and two, respectively. Wheat was grown in pots that enabled the root system to be split so that half of the roots were in topsoil and the other half were in subsoils containing varying concentrations of soluble Al. Treatments were imposed which varied the supply of water to the topsoil (either ‘wet’ or ‘dry'). Placement of applied N in either the topsoil or subsoil had little effect on either shoot or root fresh weight, or on the length of roots produced in the subsoil section of the split pots. When water supply to the topsoil was decreased, both shoot and root growth of wheat declined and the yield decrease increased with subsoil Al. In the high‐N experiment, wheat grown in the low Al subsoil with the high native soluble subsoil (NO₃ (3002 μM) was able to exploit the N and subsoil water, hence both shoot and root growth increased considerably in comparison to shoot and root growth of wheat grown in soils containing higher concentrations of subsoil Al. When the native NO₃ was lower (i.e. the low‐N experiment) inadequate root proliferation restricted the ability of plants to use subsoil N and water irrespective of subsoil Al. The results from this study suggest that wheat, grown on yellow earths with Al‐toxic subsoils, will suffer yield reductions when the topsoil dries out (e.g. in the spring when winter rainfall ceases) because subsoil reserves of water and nitrogen are under utilised.     

Tolerance of barley cultivars to an acid,aluminum‐toxic subsoil related to mineral element concentrations in their shoots

Abstract

Barley, Hordeum vulgare L., is extremely sensitive to excess soluble or exchangeable aluminum (Al) in acid soils having pH values below about 5.5. Aluminum tolerant cultivars are needed for use in rotations with potatoes which require a soil pH below 5.5 for control of scab disease. They are also potentially useful in the currently popular “low input, sustainable agriculture (LISA)”; in which liming even the plow layer of soil is not always possible or cost effective, or in situations where surface soils are limed but subsoils are acidic and Al toxic to roots. Ten barley cultivars were screened for Al tolerance by growing them for 25 days in greenhouse pots of acid, Al‐toxic Tatum subsoil (clayey, mixed, thermic, typic Hapludult) treated with either 750 or 4000 μg?g^‐1 CaCO₃ to produce final soil pH values of 4.4 and 5.7, respectively. Based on relative shoot dry weight (weight at pH 4.4/weight at pH 5.7 X 100), Tennessee Winter 52, Volla (England), Dayton and Herta (Denmark) were significantly more tolerant to the acid soil than Herta (Hungary), Kearney, Nebar, Dicktoo, Kenbar and Dundy cultivars. Relative shoot dry weights averaged 28.6% for tolerant and 14.1% for sensitive cultivar groups. Comparable relative root dry weights were 41.7% and 13.7% for tolerant and sensitive cultivars, respectively. At pH 4.4, Al concentrations were nearly three times as high in shoots of sensitive cultivars as in those of the tolerant group (646 vs. 175 μg?g^‐1), but these differences were reduced or absent at pH 5.7. At pH 4.4, acid soil sensitive cultivars also accumulated phosphorus concentrations that were twice as high as those in tolerant cultivars (1.2% vs. 0.64%). At pH 5.7, these P differences were equalized at about 0.7% for both tolerant and sensitive groups. At pH 4.4, shoots of the Al‐sensitive cultivar Nebar contained 1067 μg?g^‐1 Al and 1.5% P. Concentrations of Al and P in the shoots of acid soil sensitive cultivars grown at pH 4.4 exceeded levels reported to produce toxicity in barley. The observed accumulation of such concentrations of Al and P in the shoots of plants grown under Al stress is unusual and deserves further study.     

Effect of water stress on aluminum toxicity in pitch pine seedlings

A decrease in soil water content during droughts may increase aluminum (Al) to concentrations that are toxic to the growth of trees. The effects of water stress (WS) on the response of ectomycorrhizal pitch pine (Pinus rigida Mill.) seedlings to aluminum was determined by growing seedlings in sand irrigated with nutrient solution (pH 3.8) containing 0, 5, or 10 mg L^‐1 Al. Water stress was imposed for 41 days by withholding nutrient solution for five consecutive days each week. At harvest time, seedlings at high WS had 72% of mean gravimetric water contents of seedlings at low WS. Aluminum decreased growth of seedlings at high WS, but had no effect on growth of seedlings at low WS. Aluminum toxicity symptoms in roots (e.g., dark thickened tips) were observed at lower Al levels at high WS than at low WS. Stem dry weight was the only plant part decreased by water stress alone. Across Al levels, Al concentration in roots was higher at low WS than at high WS. Water stress alone reduced root [phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and calcium (Ca)] and foliar [P, K, and magnesium (Mg)] concentrations of mineral nutrients. Decreases of nutrients in roots with increasing Al was greater at low than at high WS. Calcium was the only foliar nutrient decreased by Al treatment.     

Aluminum toxicity in tomato. Part 1. growth and mineral nutrition

Aluminum (Al) toxicity was studied in two tomato cultivars (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. ‘Mountain Pride’ and Floramerica') grown in diluted nutrient solution (pH 4.0) at 0, 10, 25, and 50 μM Al levels. In the presence of 25 and 50 μM Al, significant reduction was found in leaf area, dry weight, stem length, and longest root length of both cultivars. Growth of ‘Floramerica’ was less sensitive to Al toxicity than growth of ‘Mountain Pride’. Elemental composition of the nutrient solutions were compared immediately after the first Al addition and four days later. The uptake of micronutrients copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), zinc (Zn), boron (B), and iron (Fe) from the nutrient solution was reduced in both cultivars with increasing Al levels. Nutrient solution Al gradually decreased in time for every treatment; less in cultures of ‘Floramerica’ than in ‘Mountain Pride’. Aluminum treatments decreased the calcium (Ca), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), Mn, Fe, and Zn content in the roots, stems, and leaves. Aluminum treatment promoted the accumulation of P, Mo, and Cu in the roots, and inhibited the transport of these nutrients into stems and leaves. At 25 and 50 μM levels of Al, lower Al content was found in the roots of cv. “Floramerica’ than in the roots of cv. ‘Mountain Pride’.     

Influence of Aluminum on the Growth and Organic Acid Exudation in Alfalfa Cultivars Grown in Nutrient Solution

A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of aluminum (Al) in nutrient solutions on the dry weight (DW) yield, Al and phosphorus (P) contents, and organic acid exudation in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). Four alfalfa cultivars (‘Robust’, ‘Sceptre’, ‘Aquarius’, and ‘California-55’) were grown in nutrient solution at pH 4.5 and 6.0, with (50 and 100 μM) and without Al. The results revealed that Al caused a significant reduction in DW, especially in pH 4.5 treatment. Organic acid exudation was affected by pH and Al treatments. Citrate and succinate exudation increased with the high Al treatment at pH 4.5. However, no relationship between pH and carboxylate exudation was observed at pH 6.0. Accumulation of P and Al in roots suggests the existence of an exclusion mechanism for Al in alfalfa. Selection of cultivars with enhanced organic exudation capacity in response to Al might be useful for alfalfa production in moderately acidic soils.     

Differential response of two taro cultivars to aluminum: I. Plant growth

Abstract

Aluminum (Al) toxicity is one of the major factors limiting plant growth in acid soils. To determine the response of taro [Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott] to Al‐toxicity, cultivars (cv.) Lehua maoli and Bun long were grown in hydroponic solution at six initial levels of Al (0, 110, 220, 440, 890, and 1330 uM Al). Increasing Al levels significantly depressed fresh and dry weights of taro leaf blades, petioles, and roots, as well as leaf areas and root lengths. No significant cultivar differences were found for plant dry weights. However, significant cultivar differences were found for expansion growth parameters, with cv. Lehua maoli exhibiting greater leaf fresh weights and root lengths in the presence of Al, compared to cv. Bun long. Apparently, differential response of taro cultivars to Al is related to the ability of the Al‐tolerant cultivar to maintain water uptake and cell expansion in the presence of Al. The initial solution Al level that resulted in the greatest separation of growth differences between taro cultivars in their response to Al was 890 μM Al.     

Differential aluminum tolerance in some tropical rice cultivars: I. Growth performance

Ten‐day‐old seedlings of 22 rice (Oryza sativa.L) cultivars originated from various tropical countries were subjected to six levels of aluminum (Al) [0, 74, 148, 222, 296, and 370 μM] to test their tolerance to Al toxicity in nutrient solutions at pH 4.0±0.l. Seedlings were grown in the presence of Al under controlled environmental conditions in growth chambers. The nutrient solutions were replenished once a week. After 30 days, treatments were terminated and the differences in their growth patterns were compared. Standard growth parameters such as plant growth, dry matter production, relative growth reduction in roots (RGRS) and shoots (RGRS), root tolerance index (RTI) and shoot tolerance index (STI) have been used as markers of Al toxicity.

Rice cultivars studied exhibited wide range of responses in their tolerance to Al. Though, the rice cultivars were subjected to six levels of Al, a good degree of separation in their responses was observed only at 222 μM Al. Therefore, this concentration was chosen to analyze and compare the performances of the cultivars. Further, only six cultivars showed significant changes in their expression in the presence of Al compared to control, and so data have been presented only for those cultivars for clarity. The cultivars BW 196, Bhura Rata, Basmati 370 and Co 37 recorded increases in growth, while Damodar and ADT 36 showed severe inhibitions in the presence of Al. Furthermore, in RTI and STI also Co 37 and Basmati 370 registered their tolerance to Al by showing increased growth in the presence of Al. Whereas, Damodar and ADT 36 recorded severe reductions. The RGRR and RGRS data also substantiates this finding. Based on the growth parameters, the six rice cultivars were ranked based on their tolerance to Al: Co 37 > Basmati 370 > BW 196 > Bhura Rata > Damodar > ADT 36. Co 37 and Basmati 370 are the two most tolerant cultivars which performed extremely well in the presence of Al, and Damodar and ADT 36 are the most susceptible cultivars. Therefore, the Al‐tolerant cultivars can be used for future breeding programes to develop Al‐tolerant, cultivars that subsequendy can be recommended for planting in acidic, infertile soils of the tropics.     

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.     

Differential tolerances of oat cultivars to aluminum in nutrient solutions and in acid soils of Poland

Aluminum tolerant oat cultivars are needed for use on acid soil sites where neutralization of soil acidity by liming is not economically feasible. Oat germplasm in Poland has not been examined for range of Al tolerance. Eleven Polish oat cultivars were screened for Al tolerance in nutrient solutions containing 0, 5 and 15 mg L^‐1 Al. Three of these cultivars showing high to moderate tolerance to Al in nutrient solutions were also grown in greenhouse pots of soil and in field plots of soil over a pH range of 3.8 to 5.5 as determined in 1 N KC1.

The eleven oat cultivars differed significantly in tolerance to Al in nutrient solutions. Based on relative root yield (15 mg L^‐1 Al/no A1%), the cultivars ‘Solidor’ and ‘Diadem’ were most tolerant and ‘Pegaz’ and ‘B‐20’ were least tolerant. For these three cultivars, the order of tolerance to acid soil agreed with the order of tolerance to Al in nutrient solution ‐ namely, Solidor > Diadem > Leanda. Hence, for these cultivars, the nutrient solution methods used appear adequate for selecting plants that are more tolerant to Al in strongly acid soils. Additional study is needed to assess the value of this method for screening a broad range of germplasm.

Superior tolerance of the Solidor cultivar to acid soil was associated with significantly higher concentrations of N in the grain. Hence, results suggest that selecting for acid soil or Al tolerance may increase N efficiency in oats.     

Differential tolerances of two old world bluestem genotypes to excess aluminum in acid soil and nutrient solution

Two genotypes of Old world bluestems from the species Bothriochloa intermedia (R. Br.), A. Camus, shown earlier to differ in tolerance to acid, Al‐toxic Tatum subsoil at pH 4.1, were characterized further with respect to growth in pots of Tatum soil over a wider pH range and tolerance to Al in nutrient solutions. The two genotypes studied were acid‐soil tolerant P. I. 300860 (860) and acid soil sensitive P. I. 300822 (822).

The soil experiment confirmed earlier rankings of acid soil tolerance in these two genotypes. For example, with 0, 375 or 750 ug CaCO₃ g^‐1 soil (final pH 4.0, 4.3 and 4.6), the 860 genotype produced significantly more dry top weight than 822, but these differences were precluded with 1500 or 3000 ug g^‐1 CaCO₃ added (pH 4.7 and 5.4). At pH 4.3 and 4.6, the root dry weights of the two genotypes were also significantly different and weights were equalized at pH 4.7 and 5.4. The 860 genotype made fairly good top growth (67% of maximum) at pH 4.3 and a soil Al saturation of 63%; this situation was lethal for 822. When grown in greenhouse pots, the acid‐soil tolerant 860 genotype required only about one fourth as much CaCO₃ as 822 to produce good growth of forage on acid Tatum subsoil. If confirmed under field conditions, such a difference could be economically significant in reclaiming acidic marginal land and in producing forage at low cost.

Differential Al tolerance in the two genotypes was confirmed in nutrient solutions. For example, with 8 mg Al L^‐1 added, both top and root dry weights of 860 were significantly higher than those of 822, but with no Al added, these growth differences disappeared.

Mineral analyses of plants did not shed much light on mechanisms of differential acid soil or Al tolerance. For example, Al concentrations in plant tops associated with toxicity varied from 33–43 ug g^‐1 in nutrient solutions containing Al to 119–283 ug g^‐1 in acid soil It appears that elucidation of Al‐adaptive mechanisms will require physiological and biochemical studies at the cellular level.