Root exudates collection techniques

Water-soluble root exudates are most frequently collected by immersion of root systems into aerated trap solutions for a defined time period (Fig. 1 A). The technique is easy to perform and permits kinetic studies by repeated measurements over time using the same plants. While it is possible to get a first impression about qualitative exudation patterns and even quantitative changes in response to different preculture conditions, the technique also includes several restrictions that should be taken into account for the interpretation of experimental data. 

Various techniques for collection of root exudates are associated with the risk of root injury by rupture of root hairs and epidermal cells or rapid change of the environmental conditions (e.g., temperature, pH, oxygen availability) during transfer of root systems into trap solutions, application of absorbtion materials onto the root surface, and preparation of root systems for exudate collection. The possible impact of those stress treatments may be assessed by measuring parameters of plant growth in plants either. subjected or not subjected to the collection procedure (6) and by comparing exudation patterns after exposure of roots to the handling procedures with different intensity. 

Technique for Collection of Root Exudates and Leaf Leachates... 

Experiments to examine rhizodeposition can vary markedly in scale and complexity depending on the information required, the equipment available, and the plants concerned. In general, experiments to study exudates and other material lost from young roots are the simplest and are carried out in the laboratory under controlled conditions. Plants are grown in nutrient solution culture, sometimes with sand or other solid support systems, and compounds released into the culture solution are collected and analyzed chemically. The experiments are mainly short-term and the roots can be kept sterile if required. Techniques are also available to label plants growing in these systems with C and to monitor the presence of the isotopes in the rhizodeposits. 

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