Effects of aluminium (Al3+) on seed germination and seedling growth of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Effects of different concentrations of aluminium (Al3+) on seed germination of high yielding varieties of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) were investigated. Al3+ at 500 ppm had inhibitory effect on seed germination, seedling growth and its dry matter. Relatively higher root and shoot dry matter in Sonlika, Fang-60 and lower in Baw-923 and Protiva were found. Root growth of Fang-60 and shoot growth of all except Akbar, Gourab and Protiva were stimulated at low concentration (10 ppm). Root growth was more susceptible to Al3+ stress than that of shoot. Key words: Aluminium stress; Seedling growth; Tolerance index; Wheat; Triticum aestivum DOI: 10.3329/bjb.v38i1.5111 Bangladesh J. Bot. 38(1): 1-6, 2009 (June)