Changes in structure of red pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) seedlings shoots under aluminum stress conditions

Abstract

The seedlings of the red pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) cv. Trapez grown in water culture for a period of 14 days with Al (0, 10, 20 and 40 mg·dm^-3 AlCl₃·6 H₂O). Some morphological and anatomical features of red pepper shoots were analyzed. Reduction in height and diameter of stems as well as decrease in fresh mass of shoots were observed after Al-treatment. In the hypocotyl the thickness of cortex parenchyma layer and the size of their cells were reduced. The aluminum treatment resulted in the increased in thickness of the epidermis outer cell wall. Under Al stress in the cotrex and the central cylinder parenchyma cells were present numerous enlarge plastids which contained large grains of starch and dark little bodies which were possible aluminum deposits. They weren`t observed in control seedlings.