Abstract
A study by electron microscopy of coconut palm (Cocos nucifera L.) leaves from trees infected by the Cape St. Paul wilt (Kaincope) disease of West Africa was carried out. Samples were obtained during the dry season (Dec.–Jan.) and fixed immediately upon removal from the trees in buffered glutaraldehyde. Further processing for electron microscopy was carried out within a week. No virus particles, mycoplasma-like organisms (MLO), fungi, or bacteria were detected in thin sections. Crystalline or paracrystalline accumulations of electron-opaque granules, approximately 5.5–6 nm in diameter, were observed in disintegrated chloroplasts of mesophyll cells. Based upon their morphological characteristics, formation of the slightly curved, “fingerprint” arrays or linear rows running parallel, and the visualization of electron-opaque cores in unstained preparations, the granules were identified as phytoferritin particles.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.