Investigation of aluminum-tolerant species in acid soils of South China

The low-hilly regions in South China are mainly covered with Ultisols and Alfisols with a pH of 4.5-6.0. The major factor limiting crop performance is soluble aluminum (Al) in acid soils, resulting in phytotoxicity in susceptible species. An investigation in Jiangxi and Zhejiang provinces in South China showed that many plants including some native plants and cultivated crops (total of 27 species) could grow well in acid soils of these areas. The Al-accumulating capacity in leaves varied greatly from species to species. Camellia oleifera Abel accumulated more than 13,500 mg kg(-1) Al in old leaves; Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze, Fagopyrum esculentum Moench, and Dicranopteris pedata (Houtt.) Nakaike accumulated more than 1000 mg kg(-1) Al in leaves; and Oryza sativa L., Eucalyptus globulus Labill., Citrus reticulata Blanco, and Brassica chinensis L. accumulated less than 200mg kg-1 Al in leaves. This investigation provides an important basis for further exploring Al accumulation and resistant mechanisms in plants.