Root exudation,organic acids,and element distribution in roots of Norway spruce seedlings treated with aluminum in hydroponics

Seedlings of Norway spruce (Picea abies L.] Karst.), which had been grown under sterile conditions for three months, were treated for one week in a hydroculture system with either 500 μM AlCl₃ or 750 μM CaCl₂ solutions at pH 4. Organic acids were determined in hot‐water extracts of ground root tissue. Oxalate (3.3—6.6 μmol (g root dry weight)^—1) was most abundant. Malate, citrate, formate, acetate, and lactate concentrations ranged between 1—2 μmol (g root dry weight)^—1. Organic substances and phosphate found in the treatment solutions at the end of the experimental period were considered to be root exudates. Total root exudation within a 2‐day period ranged from 20—40 μmol C (g root weight)^—1. In root exudates, organic acids, and total carbohydrates, total amino acids, and total phenolic substances were quantified. Citrate and malate, although present in hot‐water extracts of root tissue, were not detected in root exudates. Phosphate was released from Ca‐treated plants. In Al treatments, there was indication of Al phosphate precipitation at the root surface. Oxalate and phenolics present in the exudates of Norway spruce seedlings are ligands that can form stable complexes with Al. However, concentrations of these substances in the treatment solutions were at micromolar levels. Their importance for the protection of the sensitive root apex under natural conditions is discussed.