A NEW CONCEPT OF ROOT EXUDATION

After discussing numerous models for exudation from the xylem of roots, we present a new biphasic exudation model based on osmoregulation of the root symplast by stretch-activated ion channels (SA channels). We tested some features of the model in maize roots. (1) Using a microdrop recorder we showed that bathing the roots in 50 mmol m-3 gadolinium ions, known to inhibit some SA channels, inhibited xylem exudation by over 80% after 24 h application. (2) Measuring xylem exudation from single roots into an attached micropipette revealed the capacity of the roots to perform strong autonomous exudation pulses. (3) In partially encased roots, the rhizodermis exuded water concurrently to xylem exudation. These results were regarded as supporting our model. An interesting observation with the microdrop recorder, which does not address the theory, is that addition of a variety of inorganic ions to distilled water as the roots' bathing medium instantaneously and reversibly increases xylem exudation, evidently nonosmotically.