Vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizas in white clover: A scanning electron microscope and X-ray microanalytical study

Abstract

Seedlings of white clover (Trifolium repens L.) were inoculated with several strains of mycorrhizal fungi and were cultured for sufficient time to allow the fungal endophytes to develop and mature. The roots were then subjected to a simple freeze-fracture, freeze-dry procedure in preparation for scanning electron microscopy and X-ray microanalysis. The morphology of the endophytes was observed and qualitative X-ray data were obtained indicating an accumulation of elements within mature arbuscles. Evidence of endophyte breakdown, accompanied by a reduction of the expected phosphorus concentrations, was also obtained and its implications are discussed. © 1979 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.