March 2015

Correlating aluminium toxicity, heterosis and epigenetic mechanisms in maize yield improvement in acid soils

Overuse of inorganic fertilizers have contributed to an increase in soil acidity in global arable land and consequently caused an increase in Aluminium ion (Al3+) toxicity and a reduction of crop yield of between 30-50% in developing countries. Studies show that Al3+ toxicity inhibits cell division in the root tip meristem in sensitive plants even at micromolar concentrations.  Applications of lime, manure and...

Author(s): Josphert  N. Kimatu