Amino acids in exudates of healthy and fungus-affected pea roots

Summary Amino acids in exudates of uninoculated pea roots were compared quantitatively and qualitatively with exudates of roots inoculated with Gliocladium catenulatum. This fungus has the potential of causing severe root necrosis. Twenty-one amino acids were found in exudates of healthy roots and apparently some of these were utilized by the fungus. A relatively high concentration of ammonia was detected in exudates of inoculated pea roots, indicating an intense deamination by the fungus. No other imbalance in amino acids was found which could be related to known toxic effects of amino acids on plant tissues.