GENETIC VARIABILITY OF CORN HYBRIDS REGARDING SENSITIVITY OR TOLERANCE TO ALUMINUM DURING GERMINATION

Abstract

Corn (Zea mays L.) has been one of the most important agricultural crops since ancient times. However, its cultivation in acidic soils can be limited by the presence of exchangeable aluminum (Al³⁺), which affects germination and root development, compromising water and nutrient absorption and limiting the yield of the crop. The identification of materials tolerant to toxic aluminum can promote the development of more resilient or more resistant crops in soils with adverse acidity conditions. Thus, this study evaluated the germinative response of seven commercial corn hybrids exposed to environments with and without the presence of exchangeable aluminum, analyzing germinative parameters such as germination percentage and speed, radicle and coleoptile length, and fresh seedling biomass. It was observed that the presence of Al³⁺ significantly reduced the development of most hybrids, although some showed greater resistance, demonstrating genetic variability among the evaluated genotypes. The hybrids ExtendaxRR2 and P4285VYHR responded relatively better to aluminum stress, while SS204EVIP3, P40537PWU, and BM855PRO2 were more sensitive. The genotype × environment interaction was a determining factor in the observed phenotypic variability.