A light and electron microscope study of the fungal endophytes in the sporophyte and gametophyte of Lycopodium cernuum with observations on the gametophyte–sporophyte junction

1992 ◽  
Vol 70 (1) ◽  
pp. 58-72 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey G. Duckett ◽  
Roberto Ligrone
Keyword(s):  
Root Nodules ◽  
Fungal Endophytes ◽  
Fungal Endophyte ◽  
Peninsular Malaysia ◽  
Epidermal Cells ◽  
Host Cells ◽  
Wall Material ◽  
Intercellular Spaces ◽  
Host Cytoplasm ◽  
Fungal Associations

The ventral epidermal cells of the photosynthetic, surface-living gametophytes of Lycopodium cernuum, collected from moist shaded banks in Peninsular Malaysia, contain an aseptate fungus. In some cells the hyphae are thick walled and form coils encapsulated by a thin layer of host wall material. In others the fungus is thin walled and shows limited differentiation into larger trunk hyphae and arbuscules. The adjacent host cytoplasm, separated from the fungus by a granular interfacial matrix, contains numerous chloroplasts, mitochondria, and microtubules. The hyphae contact the substratum via the ventral walls of the epidermal cells and the rhizoids are free from infection. In the protocorm and root nodules, aseptate hyphae initially colonize mucilage-filled schizogenous intercellular spaces. Subsequent invasion of the host cells is associated with the development of massive overgrowths of host wall material. The fungal associations in L. cernuum share a mixture of attributes otherwise found in different angiosperm mycorrhizae and in mycotrophic relationships in liverworts. Wall ingrowths are present in both the gametophyte and sporophyte cells in the placenta of L. cernuum. The very limited development of the placenta, compared with L. appressum, certain bryophytes and ferns, the diminutive size, and early senescence of the gametophytes of L. cernuum are all linked to the presence of the protocorm. This massive absorptive organ, homologous to a foot, in terms of its position in sporophyte ontogeny, but external to the parent gametophyte, derives its nutrition partly from photosynthesis and partly from its fungal endophyte. Key words: chloroplasts, Lycopodium, mycorrhiza, pteridophytes, root nodules, symbiosis, transfer cells.

Structure and host–actinomycete interactions in developing root nodules of Comptonia peregrina

1978 ◽  
Vol 56 (5) ◽  
pp. 502-531 ◽  
Author(s):  
William Newcomb ◽  
R. L. Peterson ◽  
Dale Callaham ◽  
John G. Torrey
Keyword(s):  
Host Cell ◽  
Root Nodules ◽  
Host Cells ◽  
Electron Microscopic ◽  
Cortical Cells ◽  
Host Cytoplasm ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Microscopic Studies ◽  
Host Plasma Membrane ◽  
Soil Actinomycete

Correlated fluorescence, bright-field, transmission electron, and scanning electron microscopic studies were made on developing root nodules of Comptonia peregrina (L.) Coult. (Myricaceae) produced by a soil actinomycete which invades the root and establishes a symbiosis leading to fixation of atmospheric dinitrogen. After entering the host via a root hair infection, the hyphae of the endophyte perforate root cortical cells by local degradation of host cell walls and penetration of the host cytoplasm. The intracellular hyphae are always surrounded by host plasma membrane and a thick polysaccharide material termed the capsule. (For convenience, term intracellular refers to the endophyte being inside a Comptonia cell as distinguished from being intercellular, i.e.. between host cells, even though the former is actually extracellular as the endophyte is separated from the host cytoplasm by the host plasmalemma.) Numerous profiles of vesiculate rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) occur near the growing hyphae. Although the capsule shows a positive Thiery reaction indicating its polysaccharide nature, the fibrillar contents of the RER do not, leaving uncertain whether the capsule results from polymers derived from the RER. Amyloplasts of the cortical cells lose their starch deposits during hyphal proliferation. The hyphae branch extensively in specific layers of the cortex, penetrating much of the host cytoplasm. At this stage, hyphal ends become swollen and form septate club-shaped vesicles within the periphery of the host cells. Lipid-like inclusions and Thiery-positive particles, possibly glycogen, are observed in the hyphae at this time. Associated with hyphal development is an increase in average host cell volume, although nuclear volume appears to remain constant. Concomitant with vesicle maturation, the mitochondrial population increases sharply, suggesting a possible relationship to vesicle function. The intimate interactions between host and endophyte during development of the symbiotic relationship are emphasized throughout.

Ultrastructure of the host – pathogen relationship in red leaf disease of lowbush blueberry caused by the fungus Exobasidium vaccinii

1986 ◽  
Vol 64 (7) ◽  
pp. 1338-1343 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles W. Mims ◽  
Nancy L. Nickerson
Keyword(s):  
Inclusion Bodies ◽  
Apical Meristem ◽  
Host Cells ◽  
Wall Material ◽  
Intercellular Spaces ◽  
Vaccinium Angustifolium ◽  
Lowbush Blueberry ◽  
Young Leaves ◽  
Host Cell Wall ◽  
Membranous Inclusion

Actively growing shoots of Vaccinium angustifolium Ait. infected with Exobasidium vaccinii (Fckl.) Woron. contain slender, septate intercellular hyphae bearing short, typically lobed haustoria. Hyphae and haustoria are also present in the apical meristem, where they often distort the shapes of the host cells they contact. The overall structure of the meristem is, however, not significantly altered and leaf primordia continue to develop from the meristem. A rather sparse hyphal system is present in young leaves, but eventually it becomes more extensive and often fills intercellular spaces in the lower portion of the leaf. Numerous haustoria are present in the leaf and are basically similar in structure to those described previously in E. camelliae var. gracilis. Haustoria contain membranous inclusion bodies, and electron-dense penetration matrices are characteristically associated with each haustorium. Overall there is very little host cell wall response to a developing haustorium and no distinct collar of host wall material is associated with the haustorium.

Electron microscopy of vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizae of yellow poplar. III. Host–endophyte interactions during arbuscular development

1975 ◽  
Vol 21 (12) ◽  
pp. 1930-1939 ◽  
Author(s):  
Darrell A. Kinden ◽  
Merton F. Brown
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Arbuscular Mycorrhizae ◽  
Fungal Endophyte ◽  
Host Cells ◽  
Wall Material ◽  
Yellow Poplar ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Abundant Cytoplasm ◽  
Mycorrhizal Roots ◽  
Infected Cells

Scanning- and transmission-electron microscopy were used to examine developing and mature functional arbuscules in mycorrhizal roots of yellow poplar. Arbuscules developed from intracellular hyphae which branched repeatedly upon penetration into the host cells. Intermediate and late stages of development were characterized by the production of numerous, short, bifurcate hyphae throughout the arbuscule. Mature arbuscules exhibited a coralloid morphology which resulted in a considerable increase in the surface area of the endophyte exposed within the host cells. Distinctive ultrastructural features of arbuscular hyphae included osmiophilic walls, nuclei, abundant cytoplasm, glycogen, and numerous small vacuoles. All arbuscular components were enclosed by host wall material and cytoplasm during development and at maturity. In infected cells, host nuclei were enlarged and the cytoplasm associated with the arbuscular branches typically contained abundant mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and proplastids. Ultrastructural observations suggested that nutrient transfer may be predominantly directed toward the fungal endophyte during arbuscular development and while mature arbuscules remain functional.

scholarly journals Morphology of root nodules and nodule-like structures formed by Rhizobium and Agrobacterium strains containing a Rhizobium meliloti megaplasmid.

1983 ◽  
Vol 97 (3) ◽  
pp. 787-794 ◽  
Author(s):  
C H Wong ◽  
C E Pankhurst ◽  
A Kondorosi ◽  
W J Broughton
Keyword(s):  
Normal Development ◽  
Rhizobium Meliloti ◽  
Root Nodules ◽  
Root Hairs ◽  
Host Cells ◽  
Donor Strain ◽  
Intercellular Spaces ◽  
Infection Threads ◽  
Infected Cells ◽  
Rhizobium Sp

We examined expression of the megaplasmid pRme41b of Rhizobium meliloti in two different Rhizobium sp. Strains and in Agrobacterium tumefaciens. Transfer of pRme41b into these bacteria was facilitated by insertion of a recombinant plasmid coding for mobilization functions of RP4 into the nif region (Kondorosi, A., E. Kondorosi, C.E. Pankhurst, W. J. Broughton, and Z. Banfalvi, 1982, Mol. Gen. Genet., 188:433-439). In all cases, transconjugants formed nodule-like structures on the roots of Medicago sativa. These structures were largely composed of meristematic cells but they were not invaded by bacteria. Bacteria were found only within infection threads in root hairs, and within intercellular spaces of the outermost cells of the structures. The donor strain of R. meliloti containing pAK11 or pAK12 in pRme41b initially produced nodules on M. sativa that did not fix nitrogen (Fix-). In these nodules, bacteria were released from infection threads into the host cells but they did not multiply appreciably. Any bacteroids formed degenerated prematurely. In some cases, however, reversion to a Fix+ phenotype occurred after 4 to 6 wk. Bacteria released into newly infected cells in these nodules showed normal development into bacteriods.

Ultrastructure of Mycorrhizas of Dracophyllum secundum R. Br. (Ericales:Epacridaceae)

1989 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 147 ◽  
Author(s):  
WK Allen ◽  
WG Allaway ◽  
GC Cox ◽  
PG Valder
Keyword(s):  
Structural Integrity ◽  
Fungal Endophytes ◽  
Mycorrhizal Fungus ◽  
Fungal Endophyte ◽  
Epidermal Cells ◽  
Root Cells ◽  
Hair Roots ◽  
Ericoid Mycorrhizas ◽  
Hyphal Coils ◽  
Plant Plasma Membrane

Dracophyllum secundum R. Br. (Epacridaceae) often possessed ericoid mycorrhizas; fungal endophytes formed coils within cells of the epidermis of hair-roots. The plant plasma membrane extended around the hyphae. In some epidermal cells of hair-roots, both plant and fungal cells retained their structural integrity, both partners showing mitochondrial, vacuolar and lipid droplet profiles, and with much of the plant cytoplasm associated with the hyphal coils. In other epidermal cells of hair-roots, fungal coils were present but cytoplasmic features of both symbionts appeared to have broken down. Some epidermal cells showed no evidence of fungal infection. These three arrangements could occur in root-cells of the same age, and are interpreted as resulting from different stages in the development and degeneration of the infection by the mycorrhizal fungus. Two structural types of fungal endophyte here found in ericoid mycorrhizas in D. secundum: one with simple septa, Woronin bodies and two-layered walls (presumed to be an Ascomycete), and another with dolipore septa with imperforate parenthesomes (presumed to be a Basidiomycete). The possibilities that the mycorrhizas may be seasonal, and that mycorrhizal status varies from place to place, are discussed.

Ultrastructure of soybean nodules. I: release of rhizobia from the infection thread

1977 ◽  
Vol 23 (5) ◽  
pp. 573-582 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Bassett ◽  
R. N. Goodman ◽  
A. Novacky
Keyword(s):  
Root Nodules ◽  
Infection Process ◽  
Infection Thread ◽  
Rhizobium Japonicum ◽  
Wall Material ◽  
Cell Infection ◽  
Host Cytoplasm ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Membrane Envelope ◽  
Membrane Bound

Root nodules on soybeans (var. Clark 63) were examined by transmission electron microscopy 10–12 days after seed inoculation and planting. The cell infection process appeared identical in both effective nodules, induced by Rhizobium japonicum strain 138 (USDA) and in ineffective nodules, induced by strain 8-0 (Iowa). Electron micrographs are presented which suggest that rhizobia are freed from the infection thread by disintegration of the thread wall and compartmentalization of the disintegrated wall material in membrane-bound vesicles derived from the membrane surrounding the thread. As the thread wall is removed in this manner, the bacteria are released into the host cytoplasm by a process which encloses each in an envelope also derived from the thread membrane. Any thread wall material remaining around a bacterium after it has dissociated from the thread is removed from the envelope space by vesiculation of the membrane envelope. Thus, it appears that endocytosis of both the bacteria and the material composing the infection thread wall occurs during release of rhizobia into the host cell.

Structural aspects of Ascochyta blight of lentil

1995 ◽  
Vol 73 (3) ◽  
pp. 485-497 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. J. Roundhill ◽  
B. A. Fineran ◽  
A. L. J. Cole ◽  
M. Ingerfeld
Keyword(s):  
Seed Quality ◽  
Ascochyta Blight ◽  
Light And Electron Microscopy ◽  
Middle Lamella ◽  
Infection Process ◽  
Epidermal Cells ◽  
Host Cells ◽  
Wall Material ◽  
Structural Level ◽  
Susceptible Host

Ascochyta fabae Speg. f.sp. lentis (Gossen et al. 1986) causes lesions on the leaf, stem, and pod of lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.), thereby reducing seed quality and yield. Lesion formation was studied in two cultivars, Laird and Invincible, using light and electron microscopy of intact and excised leaves and stems inoculated with spore suspension. Spores germinated usually within 6 h of inoculation and germ tubes grew for varying distances along the leaf surface before forming an appressorium, sometimes within less than 10 h. A penetration peg then either directly entered the underlying epidermal cell, or grew as a subcuticular hypha for a short distance before entering the cell. The first response of epidermal cells to presence of the fungus was an aggregation of cytoplasm abutting the site of infection. This was followed closely by deposition of a papilla. Some relatively thick papillae were seen at 29 h postinoculation. The fungus then grew into the papilla and formed an infection vesicle. In susceptible host cells, the protoplasm became necrotic before hyphae grew into the lumen of the cell from the infection vesicle. In more resistant cells, the infection vesicle often became surrounded by electron-dense wall material developed by the host. The fungus remained in susceptible epidermal cells for up to 4 days, amongst remnants of the protoplast, before spreading to the adjacent mesophyll. Hyphae grew into intercellular spaces of the mesophyll and remained there for 2 – 3 days before penetrating the cells. The mesophyll reacted in a similar way to infection as did the epidermis, with only host cells close to the fungus becoming affected. Cultivar Laird was found to be less susceptible to infection than cv. Invincible. At the structural level, the infection process was found to be similar except that in cv. Laird the infection vesicle more frequently became surrounded by electron-dense wall material formed by the host. In stem tissue of cv. Laird the middle lamella was also occasionally thickened with electron-dense material deposited on either side of it. After the degeneration of host tissue, pycnidia-bearing spores were formed 10 – 14 days after inoculation of the leaf. Key words: Ascochyta, lentil, ultrastructure, infection process.

scholarly journals Tree Diversity Reduces Fungal Endophyte Richness and Diversity in a Large-Scale Temperate Forest Experiment

Diversity ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 234 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric A. Griffin ◽  
Joshua G. Harrison ◽  
Melissa K. McCormick ◽  
Karin T. Burghardt ◽  
John D. Parker
Keyword(s):  
Phylogenetic Diversity ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
High Throughput Sequencing ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Fungal Endophytes ◽  
Fungal Endophyte ◽  
Tree Diversity ◽  
Trophic Levels ◽  
Community Diversity ◽  
And Function

Although decades of research have typically demonstrated a positive correlation between biodiversity of primary producers and associated trophic levels, the ecological drivers of this association are poorly understood. Recent evidence suggests that the plant microbiome, or the fungi and bacteria found on and inside plant hosts, may be cryptic yet important drivers of important processes, including primary production and trophic interactions. Here, using high-throughput sequencing, we characterized foliar fungal community diversity, composition, and function from 15 broadleaved tree species (N = 545) in a recently established, large-scale temperate tree diversity experiment using over 17,000 seedlings. Specifically, we tested whether increases in tree richness and phylogenetic diversity would increase fungal endophyte diversity (the “Diversity Begets Diversity” hypothesis), as well as alter community composition (the “Tree Diversity–Endophyte Community” hypothesis) and function (the “Tree Diversity–Endophyte Function” hypothesis) at different spatial scales. We demonstrated that increasing tree richness and phylogenetic diversity decreased fungal species and functional guild richness and diversity, including pathogens, saprotrophs, and parasites, within the first three years of a forest diversity experiment. These patterns were consistent at the neighborhood and tree plot scale. Our results suggest that fungal endophytes, unlike other trophic levels (e.g., herbivores as well as epiphytic bacteria), respond negatively to increasing plant diversity.

Effectors of biotrophic fungal plant pathogens

2010 ◽  
Vol 37 (10) ◽  
pp. 913 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pamela H. P. Gan ◽  
Maryam Rafiqi ◽  
Adrienne R. Hardham ◽  
Peter N. Dodds
Keyword(s):  
Plant Tissue ◽  
Fungal Pathogen ◽  
Plant Pathogens ◽  
Plant Cells ◽  
Host Cells ◽  
Plant Proteins ◽  
Living Plant ◽  
Host Cytoplasm ◽  
Fungal Plant Pathogens ◽  
Biotrophic Fungi

Plant pathogenic biotrophic fungi are able to grow within living plant tissue due to the action of secreted pathogen proteins known as effectors that alter the response of plant cells to pathogens. The discovery and identification of these proteins has greatly expanded with the sequencing and annotation of fungal pathogen genomes. Studies to characterise effector function have revealed that a subset of these secreted pathogen proteins interact with plant proteins within the host cytoplasm. This review focuses on the effectors of intracellular biotrophic and hemibiotrophic fungal plant pathogens and summarises advances in understanding the roles of these proteins in disease and in elucidating the mechanism of fungal effector uptake into host cells.

The ultrastructure of M1-a-mediated resistance to powdery mildew infection in barley

1975 ◽  
Vol 53 (22) ◽  
pp. 2589-2597 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. H. Edwards
Keyword(s):  
Powdery Mildew ◽  
Host Cell ◽  
Electron Density ◽  
Epidermal Cells ◽  
Dense Material ◽  
Ultrastructural Changes ◽  
Electron Dense Material ◽  
Host Cytoplasm ◽  
Powdery Mildew Infection ◽  
Cell Protoplast

M1-a-mediated resistance in barley to invasion by the CR3 race of Erysiphe graminis f. sp. hordei does not occur in every host cell with the same speed and severity. In some cells ultrastructural changes within the host cell as a result of resistance will occur within 24 h after inoculation, whereas in other cells these changes may take up to 72 h. In some cells the ultrastructural changes are so drastic that they give the appearance of a hypersensitive death of the host cell, whereas in other cells the changes are very slight. In any case, at the end of these changes the fungus ceases growth. The ultrastructural changes occur in penetrated host epidermal cells as well as non-infected adjacent epidermal and mesophyll cells.The following ultrastructural changes have been observed: (1) an electron-dense material which occurs either free in the vacuole or adhering to the tonoplast (the material is granular or in large clumps); (2) an increased electron density of the host cytoplasm and nucleus; (3) a breakdown of the tonoplast so that the cytoplasmic constituents become dispersed throughout the cell lumen; and (4) the deposition of papillar-like material in areas other than the penetration site. The first three changes take place within the host cell protoplasts and are directly attributable to the gene M1-a. These changes are typical of stress or incompatibility responses and thus M1-a appears to trigger a generalized incompatibility response in the presence of race CR3. The papillar-like material occurs outside the host cell protoplast in the same manner as the papilla and probably is not directly attributable to M1-a.

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