Pedosphere (2): 442--459, 2026
ISSN 1002-0160/CN 32-1315/P
©2026 Soil Science Society of China
Published by Elsevier B.V. and Science Press
| Unveiling root exudates: Composition, characterization, dynamics and collection strategies |
Sonia MALIK1 , Morteza YOUSEFZADI2, Oksana SYTAR3, Rambod ABIRI4, Pooja SHARMA1, Narges ATABAKI4, Aakanchha JAIN5, Siddheshwar CHAUTHE5, Mansour GHORBANPOUR6 |
1 Department of Biotechnology, Baba Farid College, Bathinda 151002 (India)
2 Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Qom, Qom 3716146611 (Iran)
3 Educational and Scientific Center, Institute of Biology and Medicine, Department of Plant Biology, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Volodymyrska 60, Kyiv 01033 (Ukraine)
4 Department of Plant Agriculture, University of Guelph, Guelph N1G 2W1 (Canada)
5 National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) Ahmedabad Palaj, Opp Air Force Station, Gandhinagar 382355 (India)
6 Department of Medicinal Plants, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Arak University, Arak 38156-8-8349 (Iran) |
| Corresponding Author:Sonia MALIK |
| ABSTRACT |
| Root exudates (REs) represent a promising yet under-explored source of bioactive compounds that could serve as valuable agents in various sectors, including food, medicine, and agriculture. These bioactive compounds, also known as specialized metabolites, vary in nature depending on plant species, environmental factors, and other conditions. They possess diverse biological characteristics and play a vital role in how plants respond to stress. This rapidly evolving area of research has explored a range of applications. However, significant challenges persist regarding practical implementation. These challenges include the collection, identification, and development of appropriate culture systems for REs. Understanding the mechanisms that govern the synthesis and release of REs is essential for utilizing them in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner. This review examines the current state of knowledge on the composition of REs, their production mechanisms, separation methods, and hydroponic-based collection systems. Ultimately, the choice of methodology and system design is highly dependent on specific research objectives. Future research should focus on developing advanced, non-invasive techniques for monitoring REs, investigating the molecular mechanisms that regulate their production and scaling up controlled environments or soilless culture systems for industrial applications. To fully harness the potential of REs, an interdisciplinary approach that integrates plant physiology, analytical chemistry, microbiology, and genetics is crucial. |
| Key Words: bioactive molecule,controlled environment agriculture,culture system,plant natural compound,soilless culture,specialized metabolite |
| Citation: Malik S, Yousefzadi M, Sytar O, Abiri R, Sharma P, Atabaki N, Jain A, Chauthe S, Ghorbanpour M. 2026. Unveiling root exudates: Composition, characterization, dynamics and collection strategies. Pedosphere. 36(2): 442-459. |
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