Spatial patterns in hyphal growth and substrate exploitation within norway spruce stems colonized by the pathogenic white-rot fungus Heterobasidion parviporum.

ABSTRACT: In Norway spruce, a fungistatic reaction zone with a high pH and enrichment of phenolics is formed in the sapwood facing heartwood colonized by the white-rot fungus Heterobasidion parviporum. Fungal penetration of the reaction zone eventually results in expansion of this xylem defense. To obtain information about mechanisms operating upon heartwood and reaction zone colonization by the pathogen, hyphal growth and wood degradation were investigated using real-time PCR, microscopy, and comparative wood density analysis of naturally colonized trees with extensive stem decay. The hyphae associated with delignified wood at stump level were devoid of any extracellular matrix, whereas incipient decay at the top of decay columns was characterized by a carbohydrate-rich hyphal sheath attaching hyph

SUBMITTER: Hietala AM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2698336 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature