Ultrastructural Observations on the Rust Fungus Puccinia malvacearum in Malva sylvestris ssp. mauritiana

Abstract

Abstract: Our investigations show the structure of the intracellular mycelium of the rust fungus, Puccinia malvacearum, in leaves of Malva sylvestris ssp. mauritiana. Some intracellular structures of the fungus pass through, others end in the host cells. Fungal infection leads to an increase in the number of mucilage cells in the leaves; but mucilage production does not stop fungal growth. In contrast, the fungus is able to invade mucilage cells without any sign of fungal degradation.