Genome-wide characterization, transcriptome profiling, and functional analysis of the ALMT gene family in Medicago for aluminum resistance.

Aluminum (Al) is the major limiting factor affecting plant productivity in acidic soils. Al ions exhibit increased solubility at a pH below 5, leading to plant root tip toxicity. Alternatively, plants can perceive very low concentrations of Al, and Al triggers downstream signaling even at pH 5.