Aluminium stress tolerance by Citrus plants: a consolidated review

Abstract

Aluminium, a metallic element abundant in soils as aluminosilicates minerals, poses a toxic threat to plants, particularly in acidic soil conditions, thereby affecting their growth and development. Given their adaptability to diverse soil and climate conditions, Citrus plants have gained significant attention regarding their tolerance to Aluminium toxicity. In the North-eastern region of India, where soils are often slightly acidic with elevated aluminium levels, Citrus species are predominantly found. Understanding the tolerance mechanisms of these Citrus fruits and screening wild Citrus species for their adaptability to abiotic stresses is crucial for enhancing fruit production. Numerous investigations have demonstrated that Citrus species exhibit remarkable tolerance to aluminium contamination, surpassing the typical threshold of 30% incidence. When cultivated in acidic soils, Citrus plants encounter restricted root growth and reduced nutrient and moisture uptake, leading to various nutrient deficiency symptoms. However, promisingly, certain Citrus species such as Citrus jambhiri (Rough lemon), Poncirus trifoliata, Citrus sinensis, and Citrus grandis have shown considerable aluminium tolerance. This comprehensive review delves into the subject of aluminium toxicity and its implications, while also shedding light on the mechanisms through which Citrus plants develop tolerance to this element.