Microscopic observations on the trapping of nematodes by the predaceous fungus Dactylella cionopaga

Abstract

The host–predator relationship between the predaceous hyphomycete Dactylella cionopaga Drechs. and the myceliophagous parthenogenetic nematode Aphelenchus avenae Bastian was investigated using interference-contrast and scanning electron microscopy of whole-mount preparations and transmission electron microscopy of ultrathin (Spurr) sections. The one-, two-, three-, or more-celled adhesive trapping structures of this fungus were found to be effective predatory mechanisms at all stages of their morphological development. The trapping structures, mode of capture, and penetration by D. cionopaga were compared with the adhesive knobs, constricting rings, and adhesive hyphal networks of Dactylaria species reported on previously.