Aluminum Tolerance in Moso Bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens)

Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens) is widely distributed in the acid soil region of Southern China, where great potential of aluminum (Al) toxicity exists. To evaluate the Al tolerance of Moso bamboo, seed germination and root elongation were compared with two rice cultivars, and physical and physiological damages were examined under various levels of Al stress. Results showed that Moso bamboo seed germination was inhibited when Al concentration increased to 500 A mu M, and the median lethal concentration was 2,000 mu M. Comparatively, the rice seed germination was not inhibited even at a concentration of 2,000 mu M Al. Aluminum accumulated mainly in the cell wall of root apices, and entered into protoplasts as treating time prolonged and/or Al concentration increased, which resulted in apoptosis. The bamboo root epidermis degraded significantly in the presence of 2,000 A mu M Al. In conclusion, Moso bamboo is moderately weak in Al tolerance.