II is possible that side by side with a moderate secretion of phytosid
erophore by maize, cyclic hydroxamic acids may also play a role in the
Fe-uptake of the plant. The dynamics of the release of phytosideropho
res of the mugienic acid type and that of cyclic hydroxamic acids are
different: the secretion of the latter is enhanced not by a deficiency
but by the presence of iron. Its daily pattern is also different, and
its maximum is rather more characteristic of the dark period.