Effect of aluminium exposure on the release of organic acids and genistein from the roots of Lupinus albus L. plants

Aluminum (Al) toxicity is one of the main factors limiting crop productivity in strongly acidic soils. Plant tolerance to Al toxicity has been widely studied even if the mechanisms involved in the plant response are yet not fully elucidated. White lupin is well known to release organic acids and flavonoids under nutrient deficiency, while less is known about its response to elevated Al concentrations. The aim of this work was therefore to shed light to the adaptive response of white lupin to Al toxicity, analysing the root exudate pattern. A pH buffer (MES) or inhibitor compounds were used in order to further investigate the mechanisms adopted by white lupin to release root exudates as response to Al toxicity. The results showed that not only organic acids but also phenolic compounds are involved in the response to elevated concentrations of Al together with the alkalinisation of the growth medium.