Structure and development of Pinus banksiana – Wilcoxina ectendomycorrhizae

Abstract

Seedlings of Pinus banksiana were grown in growth pouches and inoculated with Wilcoxina mikolae var. mikolae, Wilcoxina mikolae var. tetraspora, and Wilcoxina rehmii. Ectendomycorrhizae formed between P. banksiana and W. mikolae var. mikolae developed rapidly following inoculation. The mantle was of variable width, and a large amount of mucigel was evident on the root surface. Intracellular penetration of the cortical cells by hyphae occurred one to two cells distal to Hartig net formation. Both light and transmission electron microscopy revealed labyrinthic growth of Hartig net hyphae that were densely cytoplasmic during early penetration stages but became vacuolate as the association aged. Intracellular colonization of the cortex was extensive, with the hyphae highly branched and surrounded by an interfacial matrix and cortical cell plasma membrane. The external morphology and anatomy of ectendomycorrhizae formed between W. mikolae var. tetraspora and W. rehmii and P. banksiana were similar to those described for W. mikolae var. mikolae. Key words: ectendomycorrhizae, Wilcoxina, Pinus banksiana, intracellular, Hartig net, E-strain.