Characterization of Leachate from Plant Foliage

Abstract

Plant metabolites may be leached from foliage by the action of rain and mist. Organic materials in the leachates from 7 different species were fractionated by exchange resins and analyzed by paper chromatography techniques. Twenty-one amino acids and amides were detected in the cationic fraction of the leachates. All 7 species lost the same array of amino acids, with minor differences. Fourteen organic acids, including Kreb''s cycle acids, were detected in the anionic fraction. Leaching of organic acids was more specific for each plant than in the case of amino acids. The neutral fraction contained 4 free sugars, poly-saccharides, and other carbohydrate materials.