Cytological studies of the infection process in nodulating and nonnodulating pea genotypes

Abstract

Pisum sativum L., cv. Afghanistan, does not form nodules with 128C52, a North American strain of Rhizobium leguminosarum. Timing of the abortion of the nodulation process was determined by microscopy in both 'Afghanistan' and nonnodulating 'Trapper,' produced by backcrossing the nonnodulating genes of 'Afghanistan' into 'Trapper,' a North American variety. Three to 5 days after inoculation, we observed deformed roots and localized swellings as well as loosely curled root hairs in these nonnodulating combinations. Rhizobia entered root hairs and epidermal cells, but no infection threads were seen. Cortical cells divided and a nodule meristem was initiated. Some meristematic cells showed abnormal features such as a high concentration of free ribosomes, dilated endoplasmic reticulum often connected to a dilated nuclear envelope, and disrupted mitochondria. Cortical cells around the nodule meristem were devoid of starch grains. Such phenotypes are known to be associated with rhizobial mutants, but in this case a plant effect is responsible.