Interaction between the nematophagous fungusDuddingtonia flagransand infective larvae ofHaemonchus contortus(Nematoda: Trichostrongyloidea)

Abstract

AbstractThe interaction betweenDuddingtonia flagransand infective larvae ofHaemonchus contortuswas studiedin vitrounder optical and scanning electron microscopy. Trap formation by the fungus started 9 hours after inoculation and first larvae were found 11 hours after larval inoculation on colonies grown on the surface of dialysis membranes. Scanning electron micrographs were taken 12, 24, 36 and 48 h after larval predation. Details of predation structures and fungus–larvae interaction are described. A mucilaginous substance occurred at the points of adherence of traps to nematode cuticle. Bacteria were also found at some points of interaction between fungus and larval cuticle. Cuticle penetration by fungus hyphae occurred only 48 h after predation.