The development, structure, and histochemistry of sclerotia of ectomycorrhizal fungi. I. Pisolithus tinctorius

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Abstract
Sclerotia were produced by growing Pisolithus tinctorius (Pers.) Coker and Couch in association with Pinus strobus L. and Pinus resinosa Ait. in plastic growth pouches. Developing and mature sclerotia were collected, fixed, and embedded for light microscopy and scanning and transmission electron microscopy. They were found to consist of an outer pigmented rind, an inner and outer cortex, and a large central medulla. Cortical and medullary areas were comprised of pseudoparenchyma which contained large deposits of glycogen, as well as protein and lipids. The structure of these sclerotia indicates that they are persistent propagules. Sclerotia may be important in nature for the recolonization of root tips after environmental stresses. They may also be useful for storing valuable strains of P. tinctorius and as a source of inoculum for experimental studies.