SCREENING OF GROUNDNUT CULTIVARS FOR TOLERANCE TO ALUMINIUM TOXICITY

Abstract

The aluminium toxicity is one of the major growth limiting factor that affects plant in most of the acidic soils which is detrimental to plants, limiting growth and productivity. Two cultivars of groundnut i.e. SB-11 and W55 were screened under control and different concentrations of aluminium viz., 10 ppm, 50 ppm and 100 ppm. The results have revealed that the initial decrease in germination percentage in both cultivars was recovered as germination hours increased especially with lower doses of aluminium treatments. Increase in moisture percentage with all aluminium treatments after 48 hours stimulated seed germination as well as shoot growth in both the cultivars especially cv. SB-11 showed better performance to aluminium toxicity. The inhibition of root growth and browning of root tips were noticed in both the studied cultivars. A qualitative determination test with the use of hematoxylene also indicated the Al tolerant nature of cv. SB-11.