Genetic variable exists among wheats for tolerance to aluminum (Al) toxicity. This subset contains wheat materials that are tolerant to aluminum toxicity.

Although retarded root growth in susceptible wheat varieties is the most characteristic symptom of Al toxicity, beware that this symptom can be confused with nematode infestations and root diseases. This toxicity is associated with low soil pH, and it can thus be reduced by liming. Though many minerals can be toxic to plants, the most common toxicity affecting wheat is caused by an excess of free aluminum. Genetic variability exists for aluminum tolerance within bread wheats and triticales, but not among durum wheats. Large areas of potentially productive land with acid soils (low pH) have toxic levels of free aluminum.

Source: CIMMYT Wheat Germplasm Bank