Host–parasite interfaces in a resistant and a susceptible cultivar of Solanum tuberosum inoculated with Phytophthora infestans: tuber tissue

Abstract

Host–parasite interfaces in potato tubers (Solanum tuberosum) of a resistant (Eba) and a susceptible (Bintje) cultivar inoculated with Phytophthora infestans were studied with transmission electron microscopy. In the resistant host the fungal haustoria are typically small and surrounded by an electron-dense extrahaustorial matrix and electron-transparent wall appositions, normally in form of complete encasements. Wall appositions are generally lacking in the susceptible host or occasionally are found as a collar at the base of the rather large haustorium, which is surround by a well developed extrahaustorial matrix. Since wall appositions probably contain largely a callose-like material, potential roles of fungal glucanases in this host–parasite system are discussed.