Differential aluminium-impaired nutrient uptake along the root axis of two maize genotypes contrasting in resistance to aluminium

Background and aims The sensitivity of root cells and root processes to toxic aluminium ions (Al3+) varies along the root axis. This study was established to assess the sensitivity of nutrient uptake to Al along the main root axis of maize genotypes that differ in resistance to Al and to test whether citrate, an Al-complexing compound that is unevenly released along the root axis, can play a role in protecting the root from Al-impaired nutrient uptake.