Recent molecular breeding advances for improving aluminium tolerance in maize and sorghum.

Abstract Citrate transporters belonging to the multidrug and toxic compound extrusion (MATE) family of membrane transporters in sorghum and maize, SbMATE and ZmMATE1, respectively, play a major role in aluminium (Al) tolerance. However, these MATE members show regulatory differences, as well as peculiarities in their genetic effect and mode of action. These aspects, which are discussed in this chapter, have to be considered to design successful breeding programmes in order to achieve maximum Al tolerance and, consequently, to improve grain and biomass production in regions of the world with Al toxicity. As shown in this chapter, target genes with major effects and molecular tools are available for marker-assisted breeding for improving Al tolerance both in sorghum and maize. However, wide adaptation to acid soils should be sought by pyramiding genes controlling different traits such as drought tolerance, P acquisition, resistance to diseases and other stresses commonly found in each agroecological environment.