Cell membrane integrity, callose accumulation, and root growth in aluminum-stressed sorghum seedlings
Date
2015-08-19Author
Gudu, Samuel
Onkware, Augustino
Emily Jepkosgei Too
Beatrice Ang’iyo Were
Anders S. Carlsson
Mulatu Geleta
T. Bryngelsson
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
Aluminum stress usually reduces plant root growth due to the accumulation of Al in specific zones of the root apex. The
objectives of this study were to determine the localization of Al in the root apex of Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moech. and its
effects on membrane integrity, callose accumulation, and root growth in selected cultivars. Seedlings were grown in a
nutrient solution containing 0, 27, or 39 μM Al3+ for 24, 48, and 120 h. The Al stress significantly reduced root growth,
especially after 48 and 120 h of exposure. A higher Al accumulation, determined by fluorescence microscopy after
staining with a Morin dye, occurred in the root extension zone of the sensitive cultivar than in the tolerant cultivar. The
membrane damage and callose accumulation were also higher in the sensitive than resistant cultivar. It was concluded
that the Al stress significantly reduced root growth through the accumulation of Al in the root extension zone, callose
accumulation, and impairment of plasma membrane integrity.