Apoplastic solute concentrations of organic acids and mineral nutrients in the leaves of several fagaceae

Ion chromatographic methods determined organic acids and main nutrient minerals in the apoplastic solution from leaves of several Fagaceae (Quercus ilex L., Quercus cerris L., Quercus virgiliana (Ten.) Ten. and Fagus sylvatica L.). The anions of organic acids found in high amounts (250 to 650 mu M) were quinate, malate, and oxalate. Lactate, pyruvate, formate and acetate were detected in relatively low amounts with concentrations between 20 and 200 mu M. The total concentration of organic acids in the apoplastic sap ranged between 1.5 and 2 mM. The total concentration of inorganic cations (K+, Mg2+, NH4+, Ca2+, Na+) and anions (Cl-, NO3-, SO42- and PO43-) in the apoplastic sap varied between 5 and 10 mM, and 0.35 and 1.8 mM, respectively. We conclude that the concentration of organic acid ions in the leaf apoplast depends mainly on the exchange with the leaf cells and is influenced by the electrochemical gradient between the symplast and the apoplast in relation to the water potential of the leaf. The determination of formate and acetate in the apoplastic compartment of leaves lend weight to the argument that the production of these acids by trees is a important emission source to the atmosphere.