Ultrastructure of eastern cottonwood clones susceptible or resistant to leaf rust

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Abstract
The infection process in four clones of eastern cottonwood susceptible or resistant to leaf rust caused by Melampsora medusae was studied by light and electron microscopy. Infection was initiated by stomatal rather than direct entry. Typical dikaryotic haustoria were observed in all clones within 1 day of inoculation. Some healthy-appearing haustoria were observed in susceptible clones throughout the duration of the study, which was terminated during the initiation of uredial production. Incompatibility was expressed differently in the two resistant clones. In clone St 75, most haustoria and invaded host cells that were observed appeared necrotic within 2 days of inoculation. Cell wall appositions appeared during this time in cells adjoining necrotic host cells. Some infected cells disintegrated within 4 days of inoculation. Affected host cells of clone St 92, on the other hand, plasmolyzed during the first 2 to 3 days after inoculation. Necrotic host cells were not observed in this clone until the 4th day after inoculation. Hyphal ramification and host plasmolysis were extensive at 6 days after inoculation.