ORGANIC-ACID EXUDATION AS AN ALUMINUM-TOLERANCE MECHANISM IN MAIZE (ZEA-MAYS L)

In this study, the role of root organic acid synthesis and exudation i n the mechanism of aluminum tolerance was examined in Al-tolerant (Sou th American 3) and Al-sensitive (Tuxpeno and South American 5) maize g enotypes. In a growth solution containing 6 mu M Al3+, Tuxpeno and Sou th American 5 were found to be two- and threefold more sensitive to Al than South American 3. Root organic acid content and organic acid exu dation from the entire root system into the bulk solution were investi gated via high-performance liquid chromatographic analysis while exuda tes collected separately from the root apex or a mature root region (u sing a divided-root-chamber technique) were analyzed with a more-sensi tive ion chromatography system. In both the Al-tolerant and Al-sensiti ve lines: Al treatment significantly increased the total root content of organic acids, which was likely the result of Al stress and not the cause of the observed differential Al tolerance. In the absence of Al , small amounts of citrate were exuded into the solution bathing the r oots. Aluminum exposure triggered a stimulation of citrate release in the Al-tolerant but not in the Al-sensitive genotypes; this response w as localized to the root apex of the Al-tolerant genotype. Additionall y, Al exposure triggered the release of phosphate from the root apex o f the ne Al-tolerant genotype. The same solution Al3+ activity that el icited the maximum difference in Al sensitivity between Al-tolerant an d Al-sensitive genotypes also triggered maximal citrate release from t he root apex of the Al-tolerant line. The significance of citrate as a potential detoxifier for aluminum is discussed. It is concluded that organic acid release by the root apex could be an important aspect of Al tolerance in maize.