Beneficial effect of aluminum on growth of plants adapted to low pH soils

Abstract

Plants in which growth was reduced by low and high Al applications were designated as AI-sensitive plant (Hordeum vulgare) and AI-medium tolerant plants (Leucaena leucocephala, Ischaemum barbatum, Stylosanthes guianensis, and Fagopyrum esculentum), respectively, while plants in which growth was not affected or was stimulated by Al application were designated as AI-tolerant plant (Brachia ria ruziziensis) and AI-stimulated plants (Melastoma malabathricum, Melaleuca cajuputi, Acacia mangium, Hydrangea macrophyila, Vaccinium macrocarpon, Polygonum sachalinense, and Oryza sativa), respectively.Plants tolerant to or stimulated by Al were further classified based on the criteria of Al accumulation: 1) AI-excluders such as M. cajuputi, A. mangium, L. leucocephala, 1. barbatum, S. guianensis, and O. sativa, 2) Al root-accumulators such as V. macrocarpon, B. ruziziensis, and P. sachalinense, and 3) AI-accumulators such as M. malabathricum, H. macrophylla, and F. esculentum.The growth and N, P, and K uptake in M. malabathricum, M