Absence of aluminium compromises root integrity, reduces leaf hydration and Rubisco performance in Qualea grandiflora, an Al-accumulating species

Author(s)

Silva, G. S. ; Rodrigues, J. S. ; Carvalho, B. M. d. O. ; Gavassi, M. A. ; Bressan, A. C. G. ; Habermann, G.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Plant Biology; v. 25, n. 5, p. 10-pg., 2023-05-31.

Abstract

Aluminium (Al) is toxic to most plants. Nevertheless, some species accumulate Al without showing toxicity symptoms. Previous studies have evidenced Al in chloroplasts of Al-accumulating species from the Cerrado vegetation in South America. We ask whether Al increases carbon assimilation through enhanced apparent efficiency of Rubisco. Seedlings of the Al-accumulator Qualea grandiflora (Vochysiaceae) were grown in nutrient solution with 0, 740, and 1480 mu M Al. Growth parameters, relative leaf water content, Al concentration in organs, gas exchange and apparent carboxylation efficiency (measured from A/Ci curves) were evaluated for 60 days. Plants without Al showed no root growth, necrotic roots, low gas exchange rates, and decreased apparent carboxylation efficiency. Al-treated plants, however, showed new white roots and increased root biomass leading to higher leaf hydration, and apparent carboxylation efficiency was higher in these plants. Increased Al available in the nutrient solution increased Al accumulation in plant organs. Absence of Al compromised root integrity in Q. grandiflora, thus limiting leaf hydration. No positive direct effect of Al on Rubisco was evidenced in Al-treated plants. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 18/15359-8 - Direct effects of Al in leaves of sensitive and Al-accumulating species and al role in roots of Al-accumulating species
• Grantee: Brenda Mistral de Oliveira Carvalho
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 18/08902-7 - ABA signaling for stomatal closure under Al stress
• Grantee: Marina Alves Gavassi
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 17/26144-0 - Hydraulic, metabolic and molecular aspects of Al3+ interference in above ground plant hydration in Citrus limonia
• Grantee: Gustavo Habermann
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 15/25409-4 - Role of ABA in water relations in metabolisms with contrasting sensitivities to Al3+
• Grantee: Marina Alves Gavassi
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate