Arbuscular mycorrhizas formed by Asphodelus fistulosus and Glomus coronatum: Three-dimensional analysis of plant nuclear shift using laser scanning confocal microscopy
Tr. Cavagnaro et al., Arbuscular mycorrhizas formed by Asphodelus fistulosus and Glomus coronatum: Three-dimensional analysis of plant nuclear shift using laser scanning confocal microscopy, SYMBIOSIS, 30(2-3), 2001, pp. 109-121
Two main morphological types of arbuscular mycorrhizas (AM) are recognised,
the Arum-type and the Paris-type. Most research has focused on the Arum-ty
pe, including studies of the influence of colonisation on the plant at the
cellular level. Modifications in the size, position and shape of plant nucl
ei in colonised and uncolonised cells of the Paris-type AM formed by Asphod
elus fistulosus L. inoculated with Glomus coronatum Giovannetti were invest
igated in this study. The plants were grown in nurse pots to achieve near s
ynchronous colonisation. Laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM) was used
to visualise root material and to quantify plant nuclear shift in three di
mensions, which has not been achieved in the past. In each colonised cell c
ontaining arbusculate coils there was a quantifiable increase in the distan
ce from the centre of the nucleus to the closest cell wall and in the volum
e of the plant nucleus. Similar effects occurred in cells with hyphal coils
but were not quantifiable because of small numbers. The position and size
of the nucleus did not change in uncolonised cells of either inoculated or
uninoculated plants. The significance of the results is discussed with resp
ect to the development of Paris-type AM.