Aluminium-phosphorus interactions on growth and some physiological traits of carrot and radish plants

Abstract

aluminium treatment caused a significant decrease in root length and dry matter yield in the shoots and roots of carrot (Daucus carotaL.) and radish (Raphanus sativusL.) plants. this reduction was concomitant with a decrease in the accumulation of soluble sugars and total amino acids, whereas a significant increase in the proline content of the shoots and roots was detected. Soluble protein remained more or less unchanged when Al was applied at low and moderate levels. However, at higher Al levels, the losses in soluble sugars were accompanied by increases in soluble protein in radish, whereas in carrot the opposite effect was observed.  The application of phosphorus fertilizer to al-treated plants counteracted the toxic effect of aluminium by increasing root elongation and dry matter production. This was associated with high contents of soluble sugars and soluble protein as well as ca, mg and p, especially at low and moderate levels of aluminium