Al 3+ ‐promoted fluoride accumulation in tea plants ( Camellia sinensis ) was inhibited by an anion channel inhibitor DIDS

BACKGROUND Generally, tea plants are grown in acid soil which is rich in aluminum (Al) and fluoride (F). A recent publication showed that pretreatment with Al 3+ promoted F accumulation in tea plants by increasing endogenous Ca 2+ and calmodulin ( CaM ). A high level of F in tea leaves not only impairs tea quality but also might pose a health risk for people drinking tea regularly. Therefore it is important to try to find some clues which might be beneficial in controlling F accumulation in tea plants grown in acid soil (Al 3+ ). RESULTS It was found that diisothiocyanostilbene‐2,2‐disulfonic acid ( DIDS ) significantly reduced Al 3+ ‐promoted F accumulation in tea plants. Additionally, Al 3+ plus DIDS treatment stimulated significantly higher Ca 2+ efflux and decreased the CaM level in tea roots compared with Al 3+ treatment. Besides, significantly higher depolarization of membrane potential was shown in tea roots treated with Al 3+ plus DIDS than in those treated with Al 3+ , as well as higher net total H + efflux and plasma membrane H + ‐ ATPase activity. CONCLUSION Al 3+ ‐promoted F accumulation in tea plants was inhibited by an anion channel inhibitor DIDS . Ca 2+ / CaM and membrane potential depolarization may be the components involved in this process. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry