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Effects of aluminum stress on photosynthesis of Quercus glauca Thumb

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Abstract

In order to investigate the effects on photosynthesis of the aluminum (Al) and concentration and the calcium/aluminum (Ca/Al) ratio in the root environment of Quercus glauca Thumb, three-year-old seedlings were exposed to various nutrient solutions containing Al at two concentration levels (5 and 10 mM) with three Ca/Al ratios (5.0, 1.0 and 0.16). Exposure to the nutrient solution, in which the Al concentration was 10 mM (Ca/Al=0.16), limited photosynthesis and caused a decrease in stomatal conductance. The 5 mM Al treatments did not affect photosynthesis, even when the Ca/Al ratio was 0.16. The results of chlorophyll fluorescence and chlorophyll content, which showed no significant differences among the treatments, indicated that the Al treatments had no effect on photochemical processes. This means that the observed photosynthesis limitation would be due to stomatal closure and a decrease in the carbon dioxide fixation process. All Al-treated seedlings had increased leaf Al contents, decreased leaf phosphorus (P) contents and decreased water absorption ability in the roots. These results indicate that the Al treatments also affected nutrient availability, and function of the roots. However, since the effect on photosynthesis was observed only with the 10 mM treatment, this suggests that the effect of Al on root function is not directly related to the decrease in photosynthesis.

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Correspondence to Masayuki Akaya.

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Akaya, M., Takenaka, C. Effects of aluminum stress on photosynthesis of Quercus glauca Thumb. Plant and Soil 237, 137–146 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1013369201003

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