Variation among genotypes for aluminum and manganese accumulation in burley tobacco

Fifteen burley tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) genotypes were transplanted into unlimed (pH 4.5) and limed (pH 5.3) soil blocks to study Mn and Al toxicities over two years. The interactions of the burley tobacco genotypes and the pH, Mn, and Al of the soil were investigated for possible differential tolerance. Correlations were made between the concentrations of Mn and Al in the soil with the amount of these metals in the laminae of the tobacco.

In 1978 there was a highly significant reduction of Mn in the soil accompanied by a highly significant reduction in the laminae from the unlimed to the limed soil blocks. Correlation coefficients were high indicating that correlation between soil and laminae Mn are reliable and support the analyses of variance. No differential tolerance to toxic levels were found, but it was concluded that liming is effective in preventing Mn toxicity problems.

In 1979 the results of six genotypes transplanted into the same soil conditions supported the previous years conclusions. When the pH passed the critical point, Mn was not as available to the plant and the correlations between the laminae and soil Mn were not as strong.

Aluminum in the laminae was reduced, nonsignificantly, by liming. The correlation between Al in the soil and laminae was very weak. There was no indication that Al in the laminae was of any value in studying Al in the tobacco plant.