Ultrastructure of the host–pathogen interface in Arabidopsis thaliana leaves infected by the downy mildew Hyaloperonospora parasitica

Abstract

Transmission electron microscopy was used to examine the host–pathogen interface in Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. leaves infected by the biotrophic downy mildew pathogen Hyaloperonospora parasitica (Pers.:Fr.) Constant. Both conventionally fixed as well as high-pressure frozen samples were examined. Excellent preservation of the host–pathogen interface was obtained in many of our high-pressure frozen samples and provided information not available in conventionally fixed samples. Mature haustoria of H. parasitica were distinctly pyriform in shape. A small collar of host cell wall material surrounded the neck of each haustorium near the host cell wall penetration site. The presence of callose in collars was demonstrated using immunogold labeling with a monoclonal antibody specific for (1→3)-β-glucans. The body of each haustorium was ensheathed by an invaginated portion of the invaded host-cell plasma membrane known as the extrahaustorial membrane. Lying between this membrane and the haustorial wall was a layer of electron-dense material known as the extrahaustorial matrix (EHM). The EHM typically was thicker at the distal end of a haustorium than at the proximal end. The surface of the EHM covered by the extrahaustorial membrane was highly irregular in outline. Considerable vesicular activity was observed in association with the extrahaustorial membrane.Key words: transmission electron microscopy, high-pressure freezing, haustoria, Peronospora parasitica.