Characterisation of maize cultivars in their adaptation to acid soils on the single plant level

Abstract

Yield of maize is considerably reduced on acid, Al-toxic soils. A methodology was developed allowing the non-destructive screening of individual maize seedlings (Zea mays L.) for Al resistance in nutrient solution and their subsequent transfer to the field for yield assessment Seedlings with roots exposed to 25 µM Al in nutrient solution were transplanted to an acid Altoxic soil and those not treated with Al to a non-acid soil in Colombia. Plant growth as well as grain yield was significantly reduced on the acid Al-toxic site. Aluminium-induced callose formation in nutrient solution was significantly negatively related to relative grain yield (r=−0.79*) and above-ground dry matter (r=−0.84*) of the maize cultivars at maturity.