guttationin

Guttation is the process by which plants exude water and some dissolved nutrients from pores on their leaf surfaces. This phenomenon typically occurs in the morning or during the night when transpiration, the release of water vapor from leaves, is low. The driving force behind guttation is root pressure, which is generated by the active uptake of mineral ions from the soil into the plant's roots. This uptake increases the solute concentration within the root cells, causing water to move from the soil into the roots via osmosis. As more water enters the roots, it builds up pressure, pushing xylem sap upward. When this root pressure exceeds the tension created by transpiration, the sap is forced out through specialized pores called hydathodes, which are usually located at the tips or margins of leaves. The liquid that appears is often mistaken for dew, but unlike dew, which is condensed atmospheric moisture, guttation fluid originates from within the plant. The fluid is typically clear and contains dissolved mineral salts, sugars, and other organic compounds, although it may appear slightly colored due to pigments or other substances released by the plant. Guttation is more common in plants with actively growing root systems and in humid conditions that reduce transpiration.