Abstract
Stages in ectomycorrhizal development between the fungus Pisolithus tinctorius (Pers.) Coker & Couch and short roots of Pinus strobus L. were followed in growth pouches. Short roots from preinoculation through Hartig net formation were processed for light and electron microscopy. Fungal hyphae approaching the surface of roots have Thiéry-positive substances in their modified walls and in lomasomes, indicating the possibility of extracellular polysaccharide secretion. Hyphae grow between and beneath the flattened, tannin-filled superficial root cells and subsequently into the intercellular region of the cortex. A Hartig net several hyphae wide is formed, isolating the cortical cells from each other. Plasmodesmata were not observed in these cortical cells. Middle lamella material is always present around the intercellular hyphae, suggesting limited digestion by the hyphae. Cortical cell cytoplasm becomes necrotic in regions of mature Hartig net formation.
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