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The constituents of the root exudate of plantlets of wild oats (Avena fatua) grown in the greenhouse under far‐IR‐enriched radiation were analysed for the first time by HPTLC and capillary GC, and further separated by medium‐pressure liquid chromatography (MPLC; monitored by TLC) and characterised by GC‐EIMS and 1H‐NMR. This combination of methodologies permitted the study of root exudates under controlled conditions and is appropriate for examining a variety of ecophysiological/environmental effects in a short time period. In this instance, the response compounds of the irradiated plantlets were identified as linear and branched alcohols, linear and branched alkanes, a bicyclic monoterpene, mono‐ and bicyclic sesquiterpenes, and free and esterified fatty acids. An ester, isopropyl myristate, was the main component present, although the unusual occurrence of branched compounds, sesquiterpenoids and related compounds of isoprenoid metabolism is noteworthy. The effect of far‐IR‐enriched light on the production of these compounds is discussed. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.