Étude cytochimique ultrastructurale de la dégradation des lignines dans les résidus pariétaux de bois d'épicéa et de peuplier par le Reticulitermes lucifugus var. santonensis (Rhinotermitidae, Isoptera)

Abstract

Free cell-wall residues were prepared by extracting wood samples of spruce (Populus euramericana cv. Fidzi Pauley) and poplar (Picea sitchensis). These species were chosen for their lignin types: guaiacyl in spruce and guaiacyl–syringyl in poplar. The parietal residues obtained were used as the sole food for the xylophagous termite Reticulitermes lucifugus var. santonensis and were compared before and after ingestion and transit in the digestive tracts. Differences due to the mechanical action of the gizzard were found in association with chemical changes. Polysaccharides were unmasked after digestion and could clearly be observed after reaction with periodic acid – thiocarbohydrazide – silver proteinate. A fibrillary meshwork was also observed inside the lignified cell walls. Biodegradation of cell wall material was particularly clear in poplar where granules formed an electron-dense plasma when uranyl acetate – lead citrate or periodic acid – thiocarbohydrazide – silver proteinate was used as a contrast medium. A selective biodegradation of syringyl monomers in poplar parietal residues was indicated by thioacidolysis but requires confirmation. Breakdown of lignified cell walls begins with a biodegradation of the lignin network associated with or followed by the digestion of polysaccharides. Syringyl-rich lignin fractions seemed to break down faster. Whether the enzymic pathway leading to ligninolysis originates from the termite digestive cells or from the endosymbionts present in their digestive tract lumen remains to be defined. Key words: Isoptera, Reticulitermes lucifugus var. santonensis, wood, lignin, spruce, poplar.