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Here we describe the use of Pisum sativum L. as a model system to measure how short-term treatment of root tips with soluble metabolites can influence root growth and release of root exudates. The results revealed that even a 3-minute exposure of root tips to metabolites normally released from roots into the rhizosphere (e.g. rhamnose, ferulic acid, salicylic acid) can significantly influence root growth without affecting production of border cells and associated exudates. Conversely, products including caffeine, saccharide lactone, and pisatin alter production of border cells, without affecting root growth. Understanding how root-derived and exogenous metabolites can selectively impact root function may yield benefits in crop production, especially in greenhouse agriculture systems where growing roots can be exposed to a significant accumulation of plant exudates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]