Shanyan Industrial (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.
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A hydathode is a specialized plant structure that releases excess water in liquid form through guttation, typically found on leaf edges or tips. Unlike stomata (which regulate gas exchange), hydathodes expel water, nutrients, and sometimes dissolved minerals under root pressure, usually during high-humidity conditions when transpiration is limited.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Water Release Mechanism | Passive expulsion of liquid water (guttation) under root pressure. |
| Location | Commonly found at leaf margins or tips (e.g., grasses, strawberries, tomatoes). |
| Composition | Modified epidermal cells with permanently open pores (no guard cells). |
| Function | Prevents cell rupture from excess water, removes toxins, and maintains nutrient balance. |
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Structure Type | Epithem (loose parenchyma cells) + Water Pore (open permanently) |
| Guttation Fluid | Water + Dissolved minerals (K⁺, Ca²⁺, sugars, sometimes toxins) |
| Trigger Conditions | High soil moisture, low transpiration (night/early morning, high humidity) |
| Common Plant Examples | Grasses (wheat, barley), Strawberries, Tomatoes, Colocasia (elephant ear) |
| Significance | Indicator of overwatering, potential salt buildup, or nutrient leaching |
✔ Irrigation Management – Guttation droplets signal excessive soil moisture.
✔ Nutrient Monitoring – Hydathode fluid can be analyzed for mineral content.
✔ Disease Research – Some pathogens (e.g., Xanthomonas) exploit hydathodes to infect plants.
✔ Toxic Compound Removal – Helps expel heavy metals or excess salts.
⚠ Overwatering Alert – Persistent guttation may indicate poor drainage or excessive irrigation.
⚠ Salt Deposits – White crusts on leaves suggest mineral buildup from guttation fluid.
⚠ Disease Risk – Keep foliage dry to prevent bacterial entry via hydathodes.
Q: Are hydathodes the same as stomata?
A: No—stomata open/close for gas exchange, while hydathodes are always open for water expulsion.
Q: Can guttation harm plants?
A: Excess guttation may lead to nutrient loss or fungal growth if leaves remain wet.
Q: How to reduce guttation?
A: Adjust watering schedules, improve soil drainage, and ensure proper air circulation.
Hydathodes play a vital role in plant water regulation and nutrient balance. Recognizing their function helps optimize irrigation and prevent disease in crops and ornamental plants.
For Research & Agricultural Use:
Monitor guttation for plant health diagnostics.
Use hydroponic systems to study mineral excretion patterns.
Note: Some plants (e.g., Saxifraga) use hydathodes to excrete calcium carbonate, forming visible "lime dots."