Aluminum toxicity to tropical montane forest tree seedlings in southern Ecuador: Response of nutrient status to elevated Al concentrations

Abstract:

Aims: We determined the reasons why in nutrient solution increasing Al concentrations >300 μM inhibited shoot biomass production of Cedrela odorata L., Heliocarpus americanus L., and Tabebuia chrysantha (Jacq.) G. Nicholson while 300 μM Al stimulated root biomass production of Tabebuia chrysantha. Methods: Nutrient concentrations in plant tissue after a hydroponic growth experiment were determined. Results: Increasing Al concentrations significantly decreased Mg concentrations in leaves. Phosphorus concentrations in roots of C. odorata and T. chrysantha were significantly highest in the treatment with 300 μM Al and correlated significantly with root biomass. Conclusions: Shoot biomass production was likely inhibited by reduced Mg uptake, impairing photosynthesis. The stimulation of root growth at low Al concentrations can be possibly attributed to improved P uptake.

Año de publicación:

2015

Keywords:

• Nutrient deficiency
• Tropical forest tree seedlings
• Aluminum toxicity
• Growth stimulation by phosphorus

Fuente:

scopus