Open AccessAluminium toxicity in root tips of Picea abies L. Karst., Fagus sylvatica L., and Quercns robur L
Author(s) -
FISKESJÖ GEIRID
Publication year - 1989
Publication title -
hereditas
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.819
H-Index - 50
eISSN - 1601-5223
pISSN - 0018-0661
DOI - 10.1111/j.1601-5223.1989.tb00389.x
Subject(s) - fagus sylvatica , beech , picea abies , botany , biology , browning , quercus robur , vacuole , horticulture , cytoplasm , microbiology and biotechnology
Root growth and cytology of germinating seeds of Norway spruce (Picea abies L. Karst.), beech (Fagus sylvatica L.), and oak (Quercus robur L.) were investigated after various Al‐treatments. In spruce, concentrations of 10 × 1 ‐2 M Al and higher caused c‐mitotic effects in dividing cells; concentrations of 5 × 10 ‐2 M Al caused severe growth restrictions; 5 × 10 ‐3 M Al and higher caused bending of roots and browning of root tips; 1 × 10 ‐3 M Al also caused browning of root tips after prolonged treatment (more than 10 days). Certain structures, here called ‘Al‐structures’ were observed, mainly in the root cap cells of spruce. The structures are vacuole‐like and are often located in the cytoplasm, one on each side of the nucleus. The Al‐structures appear as a sort of membrane‐bound vacuoles, which do not stain with orcein. The structures were similar to those previously found in Allium cepa , and seem to be formed at least partly from material extruded from the nucleus. In beech and oak, similar but less distinct structures seem to occur. Whether the Al‐structures contain Al or not remains to be shown.