Peer review

A method was developed to screen barley populations for Al response in nutrient cultures. Thirty varieties and selections were grown in tanks of nutrient solutions containing either O or 4 ppm Al at initial pH 4.8. Aluminum tolerance ratings obtained by this method were in good agreement with those obtained previously in pots of acid, Al-toxic soils in the greenhouse and in field plots. In general, Al injury was characterized by an increase in the number of roots and a decrease in root length and root weight per plant. Highly significant (1% level) correlation coefficients were found between root length and weight (r=0.93); root weight and number of roots (r=−0.76); and root length and number of roots (r=−0.83). The correlation coefficient between root weight in solution and in soil (r=0.75) was also significant at the 1% level. The method presented is satisfactory for screening barley varieties for Al tolerance.

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