Effects of Al3+ on the biological characteristics of cowpea root border cells

Root border cells (RBC) are cells surrounding the root apex. They are functionally different from the apex and are considered to play a role in the protection of the root tip from biotic and abiotic stresses. We investigated RBC viability, formation, and pectin methylesterase (PME) activity of the root caps during RBC development in cowpea (Vigna ungniculata ssp. sesquipedalis) under aeroponic culture. The results showed that the border cells formed almost synchronously with the emergence of the root tip. The number of border cells reached the maximum when roots were approximately 15 mm long. Pectin methylesterase (PME) activity of the root cap peaked at a root length of 1 mm. Root border cells separated from the root cap died within 24 h under Al3+ stress while those still attached to the root cap maintained 85% viability at 48 h after treatment. The PME activity did not differ significantly under different Al3+ treatments.