A histochemical study of sclerotia of Botrytis cinerea and Botrytis fabae

Abstract

Histochemical techniques were used to determine the nature and distribution of nutrient reserves and other materials in sclerotia of two isolates of Botrytis cinerea and one isolate of B. fabae. All isolates showed similar staining reactions. Hyphal walls contained chitin and β-glucans, including β-1,3-glucans, while rind cell walls also contained a melanic pigment. Medullary hyphae were surrounded by a continuous matrix of β-glucans. The intracellular nutrient reserves found were protein, glycogen, polyphosphate, and lipid.