ABSTRACT
Toxicity of protons and aluminium on white and red clover seedlings grown in nutrient solution

Fernando Borie B.1, Alfredo Morales L.1 y Mario Pino B.1
 

The inhibition elfect of acidity and aluminium on root elongation of red and white clover was studied in nutriant solution experiments. Treatments consisted of a factorial combination of four Al concentrations (0, 25, 50 and 75 μM) and four pH levels (4.0,4.5, 5.0 and 6.0). Results showed that H+ per se produced severa root elongation inhibition in both clovers. Furthermore, aluminium toxicity produced by low concentrations of this element (25 μM) was higher far white clover than for red clover but the latter was more adversely alfected by higher Al concentrations. Finally, it was found that free Al as well as AI(OH)2+ and AI(OH)2+ ions were toxic for both clovers.

Keywords: aluminium toxicity, acidity, root elongation claver.
1 Universidad de la Frontera de Temuco (UFRO), Casilla 54-D, Temuco, Chile.