Tolerance of wheat seedlings to excess boron

Present in excessive amounts, micronutrient boron may become toxic for plants. The aim of this study was to investigate boron tolerance in seedlings of 12 wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes treated with boric acid. Selection criterion was root growth suppression in the presence of boron, which varied between 15.2 (Apache) and 46.3% (Renan). Root lengths on control and root growth suppression on treatments were not correlated. Boron content and dry weight of seedlings varied in vast intervals in all groups on control, as well as on treatments, which is probably caused by different boron tolerance mechanisms. Root growth suppression in genotypes Apache, Trakija and Bezostaja 1 was less than 20% and they may be considered as boron tolerant. Renan, Fundulea 4, Magdalena, Pergamino Gaboto and Donjecka 48 are marked as boron sensitive owing to more than 30% shorter roots on boron treatments. Norin 10/Brevor 14, Radika, Žitarka and Mironovska 808 were medium tolerant to excess boron.