Department of Plant Physiology, Agricultural College, Bapatla-522101
Seed germination of pigeonpea decreased with increase in aluminium (A1) concentrations above 100 ppm. Seedlings grown in solution culture with a series of Al levels showed toxic symptoms at 20 ppm supply and above. They were stunted in growth having very small leaves. The roots were short stubby, thickened, brittle and dark brown in colour. Lateral root growth was considerably restricted. The dry matter of the plant parts decreased proportionately as the A1 level increased from 10 ppm. P, K and Ca contents of plants grown at 40 and 60 ppm A1 decreased as compared with the lower and no A1 levels. Variations for A1 toxicity were observed among thirty genotypes tested. Relative root length was used as an index for screening the genotypes.
