Growth of and potassium transport in winter wheat and durum wheat as affected by various aluminum exposure times

Effects of various aluminum (AlCl3) concentration and exposure times (6, 12 , and 24 h and 3 d) on growth and potassium (K) transport were studied in t wo wheat species (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Jubilejnaja 50 and Triticum duru m Desf, cv. GK Betadur) grown in low salt conditions hydroponically. In lon ger (3 d) Al exposure times at pH 4.1, the inhibition of root growth appear ed at 10 mu M Al3+ treatment in GK Betadur, and at 50 mu M Al3+ treatment i n Jubilejnaja 50. Shoot growth was not influenced by Al3+ treatment, except at 100 mu M in 7 d experiments. In 6, 12, and 24 h Al3+ exposure times, at low pH, the K+(Rb-86) influx in roots increased as the Al3+ concentration increased in the outer medium in both species. It also appeared in K+(Rb-86 ) transport toward the shoots, except by higher Al3+ treatments of GK Betad ur seedlings. At the same time, in longer-term (3 d) Al3+ treatments, a str iking inhibition were observed in K+(Rb-86) influx and K+ concentration of roots and shoots. The K+ concentration of roots and shoots measured at the end of 24 h Al3+ exposure times was significantly not affected by Al3+ trea tment. Durum wheat proved to be more sensitive to the Al toxicity than comm on winter wheat.