THE EFFECT OF ALUMINUM ON THE GERMINATION OF WHEAT SEEDS

The effect of aluminum (Al) ions on the germination of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seeds has been investigated using two varieties, one sensitive to Al (Robin) and the other relatively Al-tolerant (Carazinho). High concentrations of Al (i.e. greater than 1 mM) were required to inhibit the growth of the emerging roots and shoots of germinating seeds of both varieties. Moreover, Al at concentrations up to 10 mM did not affect the mobilization of carbohydrate reserves in the germinating seeds. It was concluded that germinating seeds of both wheat varieties were much less sensitive to the effects of Al than were established seedlings.