Abstract
There is little information on the effects of aluminium (Al) on canola (Brassica napus var. napus L.), which is a commercially important crop species in many parts of the world. In this report, we describe the effects of Al on roots of canola seedlings grown hydroponically in a nutrient solution at pH 4.5. The morphological and ultrastructural changes that accompanied these growth effects were examined. Additions to the nutrient solution of Al at concentrations below 40 μM stimulated root growth of canola seedlings, increasing both the size and number of central cap cells. The stimulation of root growth did not appear to be due to the alleviation of a proton toxicity at the root surface. At concentrations of Al above 60 μM, root growth was strongly inhibited, with cellular damage being observed primarily in peripheral root cap cells.
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Clune, T.S., Copeland, L. Effects of aluminium on canola roots. Plant and Soil 216, 27–33 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1004789014255
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1004789014255