Cellular alterations induced in soybean roots by three endoparasitic nematodes

• Published in: Physiological plant pathology Vol. 5; no. 2; pp. 119,IN9,121 - 120,IN15,124
• Main Authors: Jones, M.G.K., Dropkin, V.H.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.03.1975
• ISSN: 0048-4059
• DOI: 10.1016/0048-4059(75)90015-6

The cellular alterations induced in soybean roots by three endoparasitic nematodes, Meloidogyne incognita, Heterodera glycines and Rotylenchulus reniformis, were examined by light microscopy Particular reference was made to altered cell walls. No wall gaps were evident in mature giant cells induced by M. incognita; extensive wall gaps were present in syncytia induced by H. glycines and smaller wall gaps occurred in syncytia induced by R. reniformis. In cells altered by all three nematodes some of the walls were evenly thickened. Wall in-growths characteristic of transfer cells were present adjacent to vascular elements in giant cells induced by M. incognita and syncytia induced by H. glycines, but not in syncytia induced by R. reniformis. This difference is discussed in terms of the surface to volume relationships of the altered cells. Clear areas in the cytoplasm of giant cells induced in coleus roots by M. arenaria were interpreted as nematode “saliva”.