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Aluminum toxicity is a global issue Aluminum (Al) toxicity is a major constraint to maize productivity on acidic soils throughout the world. Phototoxic Al becomes soluble at pH < 5.5, inhibiting root growth and function, thus severely reducing yields. In countries where soil amelioration is not an economically feasible option, breeding maize for tolerance would provide an inexpensive, sustainable solution to the problem. Allison Krill, a graduate student with our group, has been conducting candidate gene association studies to dissect this pathway. For this research she has been collaborating with Owen Hoekenga and Leon Kochian. Right: World soil pH map. Areas of red and orange susceptible to Al toxicity. 2006 WSRIC - World Soil Information.  Above: Photo from Vera Alves - Embrapa Maize and Sorghum. Two maize lines, varying for aluminum tolerance, grown in acidic soil. Yield reduced 30-100%
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