Effect of Aluminum Toxicity and Genetic Control Mechanisms in Crops: A Review Effect of Aluminum Toxicity and Genetic Control Mechanisms in Crops: A Review

Abstract

Aluminum (Al) toxicity is one of the major factors constraining crop production on 67% of the total acid soil area in the world. Al toxicity restricts root growth and affects nutrient and water absorption with resultant stunted growth and reduced grain and biomass yield of crops. Cereals occupy about half of the world’s cropland area and, therefore, take a lion share of the global Al toxicity constraint. Al toxicity is more serious in tropical environments, where the soil is highly resistant to improvement by lime application. In addition, in these environments, the use of adequate lime and organic fertilizer sources is constrained by various technological and socioeconomic constraints. Studies on genetic control of Al toxicity are active areas of research for most of the globally important cereals. Development and use of Al-tolerant crop varieties are economically feasible and an environmentally friendly management option that can complement other non-genetic management options. This paper introduces the importance of soil acidity and effect of Al toxicity on plant growth and development and yield.