Brazilian maize landraces: Source of aluminum tolerance

The aim of this study was to prospect alleles for aluminum (Al) tolerance in different maize germplasms and to estimate the genetic parameters associated with that tolerance. Fifty-two hybrids from 4 seeds companies and 50 maize landraces were evaluated after 48 h of exposure to Al. The difference in root growth (DIF) was used to estimate the relative aluminum tolerance index (RATI). The results showed for both maize germplasms (hybrids or landraces) differences in root growth of genotypes when exposed to Al. The comparison between different germplasms clearly demonstrated the superiority of maize landraces for tolerance to Al in relation to hybrid genotypes were 17 of 50 landraces evaluated was classified as Al tolerant. Estimates of genetic parameters in both germplasms indicated, to this random sample of genotypes, the possibility of success for the development and selection of improved populations and an increase in the frequency of alleles for Al tolerance.