Physiological basis of differential aluminum tolerance in rice genotypes

Abstract

Two rice genotypes, aluminum (Al)‐tolerant Co 37 and Al‐susceptible ADT 36, were evaluated for their physiological responses in the presence of Al stress in a hydroculture experiment. Two levels of Al (0 and 222 μmol/L) were supplied in the nutrient solution and the two rice genotypes were subjected to Al for two weeks. Root growth parameters, relative growth reduction in roots (RGRR), effects of calcium (Ca²⁺) nitrate metabolism, Al content in roots, and pH shift patterns were recorded. The Al treatments had a lesser effect on Co 37 in terms of reduction in root growth and root dry matter production as compared to ADT 36. While Co 37 did not show significant differences in response to various levels of Ca²⁺ added in the medium under Al stress, ADT 36 registered a dose‐dependent effect in circumventing the injurious effects of Al. Further, reduction in nitrate content and in vivo nitrate reductase (NR) activity in the leaf tissue in Co 37 under Al treatment was less than that in ADT 36. Moreover, Co 37 had a lower content of Al in its root tissue than did ADT 36. Co 37 was also able to shift the pH of the medium more efficiently than ADT 36, thereby minimizing the uptake of Al, and eventually reducing Al toxicity. The higher level of tolerance to Al of Co 37 seems to have emanated from an efficient nitrate metabolism and its capacity to shift the pH of the medium. It is also evident that Al toxicity in ADT 36 can be circumvented by a Ca treatment to a considerable extent. Our results offer a possible physiological basis for Al tolerance in crop plants.

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