Screening of Al-Tolerant Sorghum by Hematoxylin Staining and Growth Response

Abstract

Hematoxylin staining of root(hematoxylin staining method) and the growth response to Al added to the soil in pots(growth-response method)were used to select Al-tolerant sorghum. Twenty-two sorghum genotypes were screened by the hematoxylin staining method, and twelve genotypes selected were evaluated again by the growth-response method. Five genotypes(G4, H11xC8, Real 60, SPA2, and SPAD)showed consistent Al tolerance by both screening methods. Genotype C9xH13 was susceptible to Al. A significant correlation(r=0.666^**)was observed between the score of hematoxylin staining method and that of relative root length(RRL). The value of RRL also showed a significant correlation with the score of hematoxylin staining(r=0.622^*). The roots of genotypes that were not stained by hematoxylin tended to have a long root in the soil with Al added.