Lewis Melville

Anatomical aspects of field ectomycorrhizas on Polygonum viviparum (Polygonaceae) and Kobresia bellardii (Cyperaceae)

Abstract Root systems of the herbaceous species Polygonum viviparum and Kobresia bellardii were excavated from an alpine site in the Rocky Mountains, Colorado, and processed for microscopic examination. Several ectomycorrhizal morphotypes were present on root systems of both species;K. bellardii often had complex clusters of mycorrhizal roots present. A mantle and Hartig net were present on all mycorrhizal root tips processed. The Hartig net was confined to the epidermis, and the parenchyma cells of this layer were radially elongated, vacuolated and contained densely staining inclusions. Intracellular hyphae and structures typical for vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizas were never observed. Both herbaceous species, therefore, had ectomycorrhizal associations comparable to those described for woody angiosperm species.

Structural features of a Lophodermium endophyte during the cryptic life-cycle phase in the foliage of Pinus strobus

Needles of Pinus strobus (white pine) were cleared and stained to survey the occurrence and location of Lophodermium sp., a fungal endophyte. Cytoplasmically dense endophytic hyphae with a pronounced lobed morphology and containing lipid bodies were localized intercellularly between the epidermis and hypodermis. These fungal infections did not appear quiescent, but rather exhibited signs of continual slow growth. A few associated host cells exhibited a hypersensitive response. Material embedded in resin and examined by light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy confirmed the location of hyphae between epidermal and hypodermal cells, and the presence of lipid bodies within the hyphae. In senescing needles, aggressive colonization of needle tissues occurred. Thus, for Lophodermium in white pine, endophytic infection is active rather than quiescent, and displays an alternate hyphal strategy to that seen in the reproductive phase.

Structure and histochemistry of mycorrhizae synthesized between Arbutus menziesii (Ericaceae) and two basidiomycetes, Pisolithus tinctorius (Pisolithaceae) and Piloderma bicolor (Corticiaceae)

Arbutoid mycorrhizae were synthesized in growth pouches between Arbutus menziesii Pursch. (Pacific madrone) and two broad host range basidiomycete fungi, Pisolithus tinctorius (Pers.) Coker and Couch and Piloderma bicolor (Peck) Jülich. P. tinctorius induced the formation of dense, pinnate mycorrhizal root clusters enveloped by a thick fungal mantle. P. bicolor mycorrhizae were usually unbranched, and had a thin or non-existent mantle. Both associations had the well-developed para-epidermal Hartig nets and intracellular penetration of host epidermal cells by hyphae typical of arbutoid interactions. A. menziesii roots developed a suberized exodermis which acted as a barrier to cortical cell penetration by the fungi. Ultrastructurally, the suberin appeared non-lamellar, but this may have been due to the imbedding resin. Histochemical analyses indicated that phenolic substances present in epidermal cells may be an important factor in mycorrhiza establishment. Analyses with X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy showed that some of the granular inclusions present in fungal hyphae of the mantle and Hartig net were polyphosphate. Other inclusions were either protein or polysaccharides.

Structural features of mycorrhizal associations in two members of the Monotropoideae, Monotropa uniflora and Pterospora andromedea

Species in the subfamily Monotropoideae (family Ericaceae) are achlorophyllous and myco-heterotrophic. They have become highly specialized in that each plant species is associated with a limited number of fungal species which in turn are linked to autotrophic plants. This study provides an updated and comprehensive examination of the anatomical features of two species that have recently received attention with respect to their host-fungal specificity. Root systems of Monotropa uniflora and Pterospora andromedea collected from the field were characterized by light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. All roots of both species were associated with fungi, each root having a well-developed mantle, paraepidermal Hartig net, and intracellular “fungal pegs” within epidermal cells. The mantle of M. uniflora was multi-layered and numerous outer mantle hyphae developed into cystidia of two distinct morphologies. Large calcium oxalate crystals were present, primarily on the mantle surface. The outer mantle of P. andromedea was more loosely organized, lacked cystidia, and had smaller plate-like as well as cylindrical crystals on the surface and between outer mantle hyphae. Fungal pegs in M. uniflora originated from inner mantle hyphae that penetrated the outer tangential wall of epidermal cells; in P. andromedea, these structures were initiated either from inner mantle hyphae or Hartig net hyphae and penetrated radial walls of epidermal cells. With respect to function, fungal pegs occurred frequently in both host species and, although presumed to be the sites of active nutrient exchange, no direct evidence exists to support this. Differences between these two monotropoid hosts, resulting from the mycorrhizal fungi with which each associates, are discussed.

Comparative structural study ofQuercus serrata andQ. acutissima formed byPisolithus tinctorius andHebeloma cylindrosporum

Ectomycorrhizas were synthesized in pots and growth pouches betweenQuercus serrata, Q. acutissima, and two ectomycorrhizal fungi,Pisolithus tinctorius andHebeloma cylindrosporum. Root morphology and the structure of the mantle and Hartig net were compared using light, fluorescence, scanning and transmission electron microscopy.P. tinctorius initially colonized root cap cells, and eventually produced a highly branched lateral root system with a complete mantle, whereasH. cylindrosporum promoted root elongation with few hyphae on the root apex surface indicating that interaction between roots differs with fungal species. Hartig net structure and hyphal inclusions varied between all the combinations tested. There were structural differences between mycorrhizas ofH. cylindrosporum/Q. acutissima grown in soil and growth pouches, which indicate that the growth pouch environment can induce artefacts in roots. Fruit bodies ofH. cylindrosporum developed in pots withQ. acutissima. AlthoughP. tinctorius has been used to inoculate oak seedlings in the nursery, results of this study indicate thatH. cylindrosporum may also be an effective ectomycorrhizal fungus forQ. serrata andQ. acutissima.

Comparative studies of ectomycorrhiza formation in Alnus glutinosa and Pinus resinosa with Paxillus involutus

Abstract Mycorrhiza ontogeny and details of Hartig net and mantle structure were compared in ectomycorrhizas synthesized in growth pouches between the broad host range fungus Paxillus involutus and the tree species European black alder (Alnus glutinosa) and red pine (Pinus resinosa). In Alnus glutinosa, a paraepidermal Hartig net was restricted to the proximal (basal) portion of first-order laterals; the hypodermal layer appeared to be a barrier to fungal penetration. Phi-thickenings were present in some cortical cells but these were not related to lack of fungal ingress into the cortex. The mantle was often present close to the root apex but in many roots it was loosely organized and patchy. In several instances, the mantle formed around the root apex was only temporary; renewed root growth occurred without the formation of a mantle. In Pinus resinosa, the Hartig net developed between cortical cell layers of monopodial and dichotomously branched first–order laterals. Fungal hyphae in the Hartig net exhibited a complex labyrinthine mode of growth. The mantle had a pseudoparenchymatous structure and covered the root, including apices of dichotomously branched roots. The Paxillus–Pinus resinosa interaction had all the characteristics of a compatible ectomycorrhizal association. The Paxillus–Alnus glutinosa interaction, however, showed only aspects of superficial ectomycorrhizas, including the presence of a minimal (sometimes absent) and mostly proximal Hartig net and variable mantle development. Sclerotia were produced in the extraradical mycelium of Paxillus involutus when associated with either Alnus glutinosa or Pinus resinosa.

Subterranean Morphology and Mycorrhizal Structures

Mycoheterotrophic plants lack chlorophyll and depend on an intimate association between their underground organs and fungi connected to photosynthetic plants for carbon compounds. The diverse fungi involved may also increase access to soil-derived nutrients. Examples of mycoheterotrophic species occur within nonvascular plants, the gametophytes of several seedless vascular plant genera, and the roots/rhizomes of many angiosperms. This chapter focuses on the structural diversity of the underground organs of mycoheterotrophic plants and the complex mycorrhizal colonization patterns observed using a variety of microscopic methods. Evolutionary trends of mycoheterotrophic plants towards compact root/rhizome systems combined with colonization patterns that result in a sustained benefit from the fungus occur in most angiosperm lineages and are textbook examples of convergent evolution.

Epistomatal Chambers in the Needles of Pinus strobus L. (Eastern White Pine) Function as Microhabitat for Specialized Fungi

The stomatal complex of eastern white pine (Pinus strobus L.) possesses a feature of uncertain function: the epistomatal chamber. The chambers are formed by the subsidiary cells that overarch the guard cells and are normally occluded with epicuticular wax. Morphologically distinct fungi resembling black yeasts are frequently observed within the epistomatal chambers submerged in the wax occlusions. Histochemistry shows that the fungal hyphae are viable and sheathed in a complex polysaccharide matrix. Experimental covering of the branches prevents colonization of the stomata, indicating that the inoculum originates exogenously. Preliminary investigations into the distribution of the fungus in Ontario, Canada, show an uneven distribution. Ecologically, the epistomatal chamber is proposed to be an ecotone between the phylloplane and the interior of the needle, one that possesses the survival advantages of both the phylloplane and the interior with few of the disadvantages associated with these two habitats. The presence of stomatal fungi may influence the response of host trees to aerial pollutants, may affect transpiration, and may prevent pathogen ingress.

The mycoheterotroph Arachnitis uniflora has a unique association with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi.

Achlorophyllous plants that are dependent on an association with fungi linked to photosynthetic plants for their carbon source are known as mycoheterotrophs. Arachnitis uniflora Phil., a monotypic ...

Structural characteristics of root–fungus associations in two mycoheterotrophic species, Allotropa virgata and Pleuricospora fimbriolata (Monotropoideae), from southwest Oregon, USA

All members of the Monotropoideae (Ericaceae), including the species, Allotropa virgata and Pleuricospora fimbriolata, are mycoheterotrophs dependent on associated symbiotic fungi and autotrophic plants for their carbon needs. Although the fungal symbionts have been identified for A. virgata and P. fimbriolata, structural details of the fungal–root interactions are lacking. The objective of this study was, therefore, to determine the structural features of these plant root–fungus associations. Root systems of these two species did not develop dense clusters of mycorrhizal roots typical of some monotropoid species, but rather, the underground system was composed of elongated rhizomes with first- and second-order mycorrhizal adventitious roots. Both species developed mantle features typical of monotropoid mycorrhizas, although for A. virgata, mantle development was intermittent along the length of each root. Hartig net hyphae were restricted to the host epidermal cell layer, and fungal pegs formed either along the tangential walls (P. fimbriolata) or radial walls (A. virgata) of epidermal cells. Plant-derived wall ingrowths were associated with each fungal peg, and these resembled transfer cells found in other systems. Although the diffuse nature of the roots of these two plants differs from some members in the Monotropoideae, the structural features place them along with other members of the Monotropoideae in the “monotropoid” category of mycorrhizas.