High aluminum (Al) concentrations as Al3+ represent an important growth and yield limiting factor for crops in acid soils (pH ≤5.5). The most recognized effect of Al-toxicity in plants is observed in roots. However, damages in the upper parts (including stem, leaves and fruits) may also be present. In addition, Al-toxicity triggers an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS), causing oxidative stress that can damage the roots and chloroplasts, decreasing normal functioning of photo synthetic parameters. Al-toxicity may also increase or inhibit antioxidant activities, which are responsible to scavenge ROS. As result of the negative effects of toxic Al, root metabolic processes, such as water and nutrient absorption, are disturbed with a... |