A review of the study methods for root exudates

Root exudates are the carrier of material, energy and information among the plant roots, soil, and microorganisms in rhizosphere. The study on types and amount of root exudates plays an important role in the interaction mechanisms among plants, soil, and microorganisms, and study methods have a significant influence on the research. In this paper, the methods for the study of root exudates, including collection, isolation, purification and identification, are reviewed. Meanwhile, the methods for specific root exudates are exampled so as to provide the references for the study of root exudates.