Ultrastructural studies of the intercellular hypha and haustorium of Puccinia recondita f.sp. tritici

Abstract

The ultrastructure of intercellular hyphae and D-haustoria of P. recondita f.sp. tritici, and the host response to haustorial invasion, was investigated. The intercellular hyphae share common characteristics with those of other uredial stage rust fungi. Anastomosis was observed between intercellular hyphae. Two nucleoli were frequently observed in a single nucleus in the haustorium, indicating possible nuclear fusion between the two nuclei in D-haustoria of this fungus. The close association of host organelles, such as the nucleus, Golgi bodies, endoplasmic reticulum, vesicles and mitochondria, with the developing haustorium, is described.