Aluminum stress in Crambe abyssinica Hochst

Abstract

Crambe is a sensitive specie to exchangeable aluminum, it require a well-fertilized and corrected soil. The objective of this study was to understand the impact of aluminum presence, in different concentrations, in the substrate on the germination and development of crambe. The experiment was carried out as a randomized complete block design with a 5x2 factorial arrangement in four replicates. The five concentrations of Al3+ were 0, 15, 40, 80 and 120 mg dm-3 Al3+ and two temperatures (20 and 30 °C), with four replications. The relative growth rate, plant height, leaf number, total leaf area, specific leaf area, dry matter in each plant compartment (root, stem and leaf), leaf area ratio, stem mass ratio and leaf mass ratio were evaluate. Germination was favored by 20 ºC. The limitation on plant growth was greater as the concentration of aluminum increased, presenting losses in growth, as well of production of dry matter and leaf development, also causing changes in the patterns of biomass allocation between the plant compartments.