Response of red spruce seedlings to aluminum toxicity in nutrient solution: alterations in root anatomy
One year old red spruce (Picearubens Sarg.) were grown for 37 days in a nutrient solution containing 0, 50, 100, or 200 mg/L Al. No macroscopic evidence of Al injury was observed in the shoots of seedlings; however, Al toxicity symptoms were well developed in the roots. Aluminum reduced root length but increased root diameter and the number of cell layers in the root cap. Light and electron microscopic examination of root tips and segments 5–10 mm from the tip revealed numerous cellular changes in Al-stressed roots: premature vacuolation, accumulation of phenoliclike material, loss of cells from peripheral cell layers, formation of intercellular spaces, increased disruption of cellular membranes, and degeneration of the cytoplasm.