The use of nutrient-film technique for monitoring Al (Al citrate) effects on root development and nutrient uptake in roots of Triticum aestivum L.

Abstract

A nutrient-film technique was used to study the toxic effect of Al3+ and Al-citrate complexes in a nutrient solution on root elongation, nutrient uptake and dry matter production in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Seedlings were grown under controlled climatic conditions while exposed to 100 μM AlCl3 or 100 μM Al citrate in a complete nutrient solution. The use of a nutrient film technique as a form of hydroponic culture prevented microbial breakdown of the citric acid and ensured a constant pH of the solution. Complexation of the phytotoxic Al3+ by citrate is found to be sufficient for counteracting the toxic effects, when root elongation, dry matter production and nutrient uptake and translocation are considered as parameters of plant integrity.