Callose in roots of Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) is a sensitive parameter for aluminium supply at a forest site (Hoglwald)

Under controlled environmental conditions in nutrient solution experiments induction of non-constitutive callose in roots has been shown to be a symptom of aluminium (Al) toxicity. In the present study roots of Norway spruce were sampled from a forest site where soil conditions had been modified by acidic irrigation and liming (Hoglwald Experiment in Bavaria, Germany). A significant positive relationship was found between the callose content in short roots and the Al concentration in the soil solution, particularly if free Al, rather than total concentrations of soluble Al, were used for prediction. At the same sites root growth of Norway spruce was not affected by free Al concentrations in the range of 2.5 to 199 mu M Al. The results show that also under field conditions a positive relationship between Al supply and callose content can be established. In Norway spruce callose content in roots is a much more sensitive parameter for Al supply than root growth.