THE EFFECT OF MECHANICAL FORCES ON THE EXUDATION OF ORGANIC SUBSTANCES BY THE ROOTS OF CEREAL PLANTS GROWN UNDER STERILE CONDITIONS

Abstract

S ummary Cereal plants were grown for 3 weeks under sterile conditions in solution culture with their roots either unrestricted or growing between glass ballotini. The exudation of both amino acids and carbohydrates was increased when the roots were grown through a solid medium and the total quantity exuded was equivalent to about 9% of the dry matter increment of the roots.