Changes in the plant endomembrane system associated with callose synthesis during the interaction between cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) and the cowpea rust fungus (Uromyces vignae)

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Electron microscopy and stereological analysis of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) leaf tissue infected with the cowpea rust fungus (Uromyces vignae) revealed an increase in surface of plant endomembranes that was associated with callose synthesis or the presence of fungal haustoria. In the resistant cultivar in which the haustorium commonly becomes encased, an increase in surface of smooth membranes was observed in cytoplasmic regions adjacent to developing encasements compared with the regions away from the fungus or with any region in infected or uninfected callose nonsynthesizing cells. Cytoplasmic regions adjacent to the haustorium in callose nonsynthesizing cells had an increase in rough endoplasmic reticulum (ER). This increase was greater in a susceptible cultivar than in the resistant cultivar that was treated with tunicamycin to inhibit callose synthesis. In the latter situation, the lack of callose encasement allowed the haustorial neckband to form, but other ultrastructural signs of incompatibility remained, such as the presence of electron-opaque material associated with the extrahaustorial membrane. No differences between cultivars or treatments were observed in Golgi membranes. Our observations suggest that both callose synthesis and fungal presence are associated with de novo synthesis of membranes; callose deposition may require an increase in smooth membranes of uncertain origin, whereas the establishment of a haustorium may be dependent on increased synthesis of rough ER. Key words: callose, endoplasmic reticulum, resistance, stereology, tunicamycin.