Behaviour of Mycocentrospora acerina on periderm and wounded tissues of carrot roots

Abstract

Development of Mycocentrospora acerina on harvested carrot roots was studied. In early storage, all prepenetration stages of the fungus were suppressed on the periderm surface; many chlamydospores remained ungerminated but viable for at least 360 days. An inhibitory principle diffused out of periderm into water or agar films. On wound surfaces, inhibition, which was inversely correlated with the depth of wound, affected spore germination only. Attempted penetration in early storage was followed by a cellular reaction resembling a hypersensitive response. Inhibitory effects were greater at 3–5° than at 15°C.