Aluminum-induced Calcium Deficiency in Peach Seedlings1

Total nutrient content, uptake rates, and distribution were determined for seedlings of peach [ Prunus persica (L.) Batsch] grown in nutrient solutions containing 0, 222, 666, and 2000 µ m Al. Generally, total nutrient content decreased in the peach seedling organs as Al concentration increased. The responses obtained with increased Al concentration were linear with some nutrients and curvilinear with others and varied with plant organ. As Al concentration increased, the uptake rates for P, Ca, Mg, Zn, and Mn decreased but those for K and Fe increased. Aluminum did not alter the translocation of most nutrients; however, a greater percentage of the absorbed Ca accumulated in the leaves than in the roots or stems. Thus, aluminum toxicity in peaches may be related to a reduction in Ca uptake rate and not to inhibition in translocation of Ca.