Microscopic observation of perfect hyphal fusion in Rhizoctonia solani

Anastomoses between hyphae, leading to both successful cell fusions and dea th of Fused cells (vegetative incompatibility) were observed by video micro scopy. Anastomosis was seen only to occur between tip cells from side branc hes, never main runner hyphae, and tip to side fusion was never observed. P erfect hyphal fusion was only observed following pre-contact tropism betwee n the hyphae involved. The time taken for the process of cell wall dissolut ion and reformation following contact was 15 min.