Aluminum toxicity and tolerance in Solanaceae plants

Solanaceae including tomato, chilli, potato, eggplant, petunia, and tobacco are the most important vegetables, cash crops, and ornamental plants. Most of them are planted in 43% acid soil in the world. There are remarkable differences in the adaptability of different Solanaceae species to acidic soil. Aluminum (Al) is the major factor limiting crops productivity on acidic soil. Al can rapidly suppress cell division, destroy the cell structure, reduce nutrient and water uptake, and inhibit root elongation growth in Solanaceae plants. This review focuses on recent research advances and development trends in Al toxicity and tolerance in Solanaceae plants. Al avoidance, the alteration of nutrient element distribution, and increase of rhizosphere pH value contributes to Al tolerance in Solanaceae plants. Moreover, secretion of organic acids, enhancement of antioxidant capacity, and induction of Al-tolerant genes also play an important role in Al tolerance of Solanaceae plants. Manipulation of Al-tolerant genes helps to enhance crop production on acid soils. The completion of whole genome sequencing and genome editing technology will provide a platform for genetic improvement of Solanaceae plants.