DUNDEK, P., HOLÍK, L., ROHLÍK, T., VRANOVÁ, V., REJŠEK, K., FORMÁNEK, P.: Methods of plant root exudates analysis: a review. Acta univ. agric. et silvic. Mendel. Brun., 2011, LIX, No. 3, pp. 241-246 The aim of this review is to summarise current knowledge on methods being used to determine individual compounds and properties of water-soluble plant root exudates. These compounds include amino acids, organic acids and simple sugars, as well as polysaccharides, proteins and organic substances. Qualitative composition of water-soluble root exudates and exudation rate are commonly measured with the aim of consequent synthetic preparation of plant root exudates to be supplied to soil to create artifi cial rhizosphere for diff erent experimental purposes. Root exudates collection usually requires consequent fi ltration or centrifugation to remove solids, root detritus and microbial cell debris, and consequent concentration using an evaporator, lyophilizator or ultrafi ltration. Methods used for analysis of total groups of compounds (total proteins and total carbohydrates) and total organic carbon are simple. On the other hand, HPLC or GS/MS are commonly used to analyse individual low molecular weight organic molecules (sugars, organic acids and amino acids) with separation using diff erent columns. Other properties such as pH, conductivity or activity of diff erent enzymes as well as gel electrophoresis of proteins are sometimes assessed. All of these methods are discussed in this work. amino acids, HPLC, GC/MS, organic acids, root exudates, sugars Substances released by healthy and intact roots into the environment are collectively designated as root exudates. These substances aff ect the composition of microbial community in immediate proximity of plant roots and processes taking place in rhizosphere. Many compounds are released by plant roots, including inorganic ions and substances,