Genotypic differences in aluminium resistance in maize [Elektronische Ressource] : inheritance, the role of cell-wall properties, and Al localization in the root apex / von Dejene Eticha

Genotypic Differences in Aluminium Resistance in Maize: Inheritance, the Role of Cell-Wall Properties, and Al Localization in the Root Apex vom Fachbereich Gartenbau der Universität Hannover zur Erlangung des akademischen Grades eines Doktors der Gartenbauwissenschaften - Dr. rer. Hort. - genehmigte Dissertation von Dejene Eticha (MSc) geboren am 29.11.1974 in West Shoa, Ethiopia 2005 Referent: Prof. Dr. Walter J. Horst, Uni. Hannover Korreferent: Prof. Dr. Heiko C. Becker, Uni. Göttingen Tag der Promotion: 02. Februar 2005 Dedicated to my mother, Dawi Gemechu and my late father, Eticha Safo Genotypic Differences in Aluminium Resistance in Maize: Inheritance, the Role of Cell-Wall Properties, and Al Localization in the Root Apex ABSTRACT Aluminium (Al) toxicity is a major limiting factor for maize production on acid mineral-soils. A specific symptom of Al injury is the inhibition of root growth which limits the uptake of water and mineral nutrients. There is wide genotypic variation in Al resistance in maize. A well-known mechanism of Al resistance in maize is the release of organic acid anions which detoxify Al. However, this can only partly explain the genetic variations. Therefore, the presence of additional Al-resistance mechanisms has been suggested. These additional mechanisms could be based on differences in cell-wall composition.