Calcium sulfate ameliorates the effect of aluminum toxicity differentially in genotypes of highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.)

The effect of gypsum (CaSO4) amendment in the reduction of Al phytotoxicity of blueberry cultivars differing in Al resistance (Legacy and Brigitta, Al-resistant and Bluegold, Al-sensitive) was studied in a Hoagland's nutrient solution under acidic conditions for 2 weeks. Treatments were: Control (Hoagland solution), 2.5 mM CaSO4, 5 mM CaSO4, 100 mu M Al (AlCl3), 100 mu M Al + 2.5 mM CaSO4, 100 mu M Al + 5 mM CaSO4. Physiological, biochemical and chemical features of leaves and roots were determined to establish the amendment efficiency in the reduction of Al toxicity in these cultivars. Results showed that under Al toxicity the three investigated cultivars accumulated high Al concentrations in leaves and roots. These concentrations decreased with CaSO4 application. Statistically significant interactions among Al in leaves but not in roots (p = 0.719) and cultivars (p < 0.001), were found. The lowest Ca concentration was found in the most Al-sensitive cultivar (Bluegold) and the highest in the more Al-resistant cultivars (Legacy and Brigitta). Among the underlying processes affected by Al stress in these blueberry cultivars the most evident changes were exhibited by the Al-sensitive cultivar Bluegold, where the photosynthetic performance decreased showing a slight recovery in presence of gypsum amendment at the end of experiment. Instead, the more Al-resistant cultivar (Legacy) did not change its photosynthetic parameters in presence of the gypsum amendments during the treatment, whereas in Brigitta, only a slight recovery at the end of treatment was evidenced by the gypsum application. Thus, in relation to these parameters the gypsum amendment was efficient in complete recovery from the toxic Al effect in the Al-resistant cultivar Brigitta and a slight recovery of the toxic Al effect in the Al-sensitive cultivar Bluegold. Nonetheless, this amendment is a good alternative to ameliorate Al toxicity in Al-sensitive cultivars and additionally provides a good source of Ca and S.