Tolerance of Australian wheat varieties to aluminium toxicity

Abstract This paper reports the reaction of 24 Australian wheats and 16 overseas cultivars to high aluminium (Al) in solution culture. These results are compared with those from a rapid haematoxylin stain test. The relationship between the haematoxylin stain test results and performance in the field was also determined. The dry matter yields in solution culture confirmed tolerances previously reported for the non‐Australian cultivars, with only two exceptions. The Australian varieties vary in tolerance but none were as tolerant as those from Brazil. The tolerances of the Australian varieties were not related to the breeding origins of the varieties. Exposure to Al in solution differentially reduced the concentration of calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and phosphorus (P) in both shoots and roots. The more Al‐tolerant varieties were less affected. The results obtained in solution culture and in the haematoxylin stain test generally agreed, but more differences between varieties were noted in solution culture r...