Observation and Distribution of Ectomycorrhizal Fungi in Pinus Roots

ABSTRACT

Detailed structures of ectomycorrhizae formed in Pinus roots were observed with various microscopes: light, fluorescence, and scanning electron microscopes. The mantles and Hartig nets commonly found in the structure of ectomycorrhiza were newly observed according to developmental stage by various staining. The mycelia were observed to be composed of coiled types on the surface of epidermal root during early stage and fused to form mantles of smooth fungal layers, loosing mycelia with some viscous liquid secreted. The ectomycorrhizal hyphae in anatomical roots penetrated the cortical layer and formed obviously mantle and Hartig net. The round spots of ectomycorrhizal mycelia were observed morphological distribution from the cortical layer to vascular bundle of stele in the ectomycorrhizal roots of Pinus species and especially scattered at the area of meristem at the root tip as longitudinal sections. Those mycelia penetrated seemed to move into other roots by means of vascular bundle of ectomycorrhizal roots and newly form ectomycorrhizal roots of dichotomous branches.