Selection of maize hybrids for tolerance to aluminum in minimal solution

The aim of this study was to determine the Al concentration and the period of exposure of the roots of maize hybrids in minimal solution for efficient selection of genotypes that are Al-tolerant. Two experiments were performed (48 and 96 h of exposure) with increasing doses of Al in minimal solution; the block design was completely randomized in a split-plot design with 3 replications. By assessing differences in root growth (cm) and the percentage of inhibition of the growth of the main root (%), a marked decrease was observed in maize root growth with increasing Al concentration in the solution. Exposure of the roots to 2 mg/L Al for 48 h in minimal solution was the most efficient for selecting sources of tolerance, particularly for the hybrids H 44 and H 38.