Amelioration of iron toxicity: A mechanism for aluminum-induced growth stimulation in tea plants.

In this study, hydroponically grown tea plants treated with 0 to 300μM Al were analyzed for growth, Al and Fe accumulation, and Al distribution by means of morin and hematoxylin staining. Roots of control plants stained black with hematoxylin. This indicates the formation of a Fe-hematoxylin complex. Young leaves of controls accumulated more than 1000mgFekg(-1) dry weight. This concentration is above the Fe-toxicity threshold in most species. Supply of Al stimulated growth and reduced Fe uptake and transport. These results indicate that Al-induced growth stimulation might be due to alleviation of a latent Fe toxicity occurring in tea plants without Al supply.
PMID: 23910825 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Source: Journal of Inorganic Biochemistry - July 13, 2013 Category: Biochemistry Authors: Hajiboland R, Barceló J, Poschenrieder C, Tolrà R Tags: J Inorg Biochem Source Type: research