Al-tolerance mechanisms in plants comparing Cerrado species (Styrax camporum), 'Rangpur' lime (Citrus limonia) and wheat (Triticum aestivum)

Present in acid soils, aluminum mainly found in its toxic form (Al3+) has as main effect the decrease of root growth. Cerrado occurs in central-western Brazil under acid soils (pH <4) and high aluminum content (Al). Citrus limonia (Osbeck) and Styrax camporum (Pohl) share geographic location and edaphic characteristics in where they are settled, however exhibiting respectively Al-sensitivity and Al-tolerance. The present work aims to elucidate the mechanisms involved in Al3+ stress at root gene expression level. For both species, a transcriptome analysis was performed to evaluate the effects of Al in a global perspective, and from these results some genes were selected for evaluation in hydroponic experiments maintained for 60 days. Al tolerance and sensitivity strategies are discussed in both species, together with analyzes of biometrics, hormonal quantification and anatomy data that corroborate the Al-sensitive behavior of Citrus and Al-tolerance in Styrax by several routes. In addition, the last chapter deals with the dependence of pH on one important mechanism of Al tolerance in wheat involving organic acid exudation. (AU)