Guttation

Guttation is the process of release of water in liquid drops in plants and fungi. The water is discharged, is thus ensured despite water saturation of the transport of nutrients into the leaves.

Process

Can Guttation in higher plants one hand, occur at night, when usually there is no transpiration because plants have their stomata closed and the root pressure water from hydathodes pressed (special stomata ) on the leaf teeth or spikes. Another possibility is, if the soil is very wet and warmer than the air, and also there is still a high humidity, and thus, the water potential of the air is too low to absorb further moisture. Under these conditions, a complete transpiration is impeded. In fungi water is discharged otherwise than in higher plants on cells of the mycelium.

Chemical composition

Guttation may contain a variety of organic and inorganic constituents, primarily sugars, as well as minerals and sodium. Furthermore, water-soluble pesticides, which receives the plant through the roots, excreted Guttationstropfen.

During drying, a white crust on the sheet surface is left behind.