Tolerance to aluminium toxicity in Tanzanian sorghum genotypes

• Published in: African crop science journal Vol. 18; no. 4; pp. 155 - 164
• Main Authors: Ringo, J H, Mneney, EE, Onkware, A O, Were, BA, Too, E J, Owuoche, JO, Gudu, SO
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.01.2010
• Subjects: Sorghum; Sorghum bicolor
• ISSN: 1021-9730

Aluminium (Al) toxicity is a major abiotic constraint on grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) production on acid soils in East Africa. Aluminium in acidic soil inhibits water and mineral uptake from and consequently, reduces plant vigour and yield. A study was done to determine genetic diversity of Tanzania's sorghum for response to Al toxicity. Five day old seedlings of 98 sorghum genotypes were subjected to 0, 148 or 222.25 moles of Al super(3+) supplied as Al sub(2) (SO sub(4)) sub(3). 16H2O in Hoagland's nutrient solution. Seedlings were raised in a growth chamber for five days, after which root lengths were recorded. Net root growth was used to discriminate the germplasm into phenotypic groups. The genotype MCSR T33 exhibited highest net root length and was classified as tolerant. Wahi, MCSR T69 and MCSR T11 were moderately tolerant, while the rest were susceptible.Original Abstract: La toxicite aluminique est une contrainte majeur a la production du sorhgo (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) sur les sols acides en Afrique de l'est. L'aluminium (Al) des sols acides inhibe l'assimilation d'eau et de mineraux du sol, et reduit par consequent la vigueur des plantes et le rendement. Une etude etait faite pour determiner la diversite genetique du sorgho de la Tanzanie en reponse a la toxicite aluminique. Les plants ages de 5 jours issus de 98 genotypes de sorgho etaient soumis a 0, 148 ou 222.25 moles de Al super(3+) fournis sous forme de Al sub(2) (SO sub(4)) sub(3). 16H2O dans une solution de nutriment de Hoagland. Les plantules etaient plantees dans la chambre de croissance pendant 5 jours apres lesquels la longueur des racines etait mesuree. La croissance nette des racines etait utilisee pour separer les racines en groupes phenotypiques. Le genotype MCSR T33 avait exhibe une longueur nette plus elevee des racines et etait classifie comme tolerant. Wahi, MCSR T69 et MCSR T11 etaient moderement tolerant, alors que les restes etaient susceptibles.