Fine structure of actinorhizal root nodules of Coriaria arborea (Coriariaceae)

Abstract

Light and electron microscopic studies have demonstrated that the endophyte of root nodules of Coriaria arborea is an actinomycete resembling those of other Frankia-induced actinorhizal nodules. The prokaryotic microbe has filamentous septate hyphae of approx. 0.5–0.7 µm diam. and filamentous vesicles, approx. 3.5–5 µm long. The endophytic vesicles are oriented with their long axis perpendicular to the tonoplast of the large central vacuole. The infected host cells are multinucleate and resemble those of Datisca nodules in terms of the cytology of the host and endophyte. No endophytic spores or sporangia were observed. © 1982 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.