Effect of Aluminum on Early Seedling Growth of Maize (Zea Mays L.) and Flax (Linum usitatissimum)

Abstract

Aluminum (Al) toxicity isa major constraint for crop production in acidic soils with pH is lower than 5 worldwide. Al is extremely toxic in terms of root elongation and is believed to be the primary factor in inhibiting plant growth. Al enters into the plant through root tip cells and stops root development process. It causes inhibition of cell elongation and cell division. further it reduces root length which results into poor intake of water and nutrients. And it also shows an impact on shoot and plant growth. In this paper the most remarkable symptoms of Al toxicity in plants and the latest findings in this area are addressed. In the present study different concentrations  of Al 1.5mM,3.5mM,5.5mM,7.5mM,9.5mM were used to see the effect of Al toxicity on Maize (Zea mays L.) and  Flax ( Linum usitatissimum)  seed germination,  morphological changes - root length, shoot length, fresh weight ,dry weight, percent phytotoxicity, RGI(Relative growth index), chlorophyll content , carotenoidcontent. In both the plants (Maize and Flax) the growth of root and shoot were gradually inhibited from low concentrations of Al to the high concentrations of Al, the maximum inhibition of growth was observed at 9.5mM concentration of Al. Total chlorophyllcontent also decreased gradually with low to high concentrations of Al in the leaves of Flax and Maizeseedlings as well.