Tolerance of mango (Mangifera indica L. Anacardiaceae) seedlings to different levels of aluminum.
Naing K. W., Angeles D. E., Protacio C. M., Sta. Cruz P. C.
Author Affiliation: Vegetable and Fruit Research and Development Centre (VFRDC), Yemon, Myanma Agriculture Service, Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, Myanmar.
Philippine Journal of Crop Science 34 : 33-42
Abstract : The tolerance of 'Carabao', 'Pico', 'Pahutan' and 'Kachamitha' mango seedlings to varying levels of aluminum (Al): 0, 250 and 500 µM AlCl3 was evaluated for 22 weeks in a pot experiment using Lipa clay loam soil with an initial pH of 6.9. The application of 500 µM AlCl3 reduced total root length, root length density and specific root length of mango seedlings. Leaf fresh weight, leaf dry weight and stem dry weight were also reduced due to Al treatments. 'Carabao' mango seedlings had the highest specific root length and shoot root ratio, while 'Kachamitha' had the highest stem diameter, root volume and root dry weight. Although the exchangeable soil Al was below the detectable level, application of 500 µM AlCl3 decreased the soil pH from 6.5 to 6.3. Highest Al and Iron (Fe) concentrations in the leaves were observed in 500 µM AlCl3, while Al, Fe and Manganese (Mn) concentrations in the roots did not vary with Al treatments. 'Kachamitha' exhibited the best root growth compared to the other varieties. Having the lowest Al concentration in the roots and highest in the leaves, 'Katchamitha' was considered tolerant to high soil Al levels.