Development of infection structures by Hemileia vastatrix in resistant and susceptible selections of Coffea and in Phaseolus vulgaris

Abstract

The sequence of events leading to successful infection of Coffea by Hemileia vastatrix, following the formation of an appressorium over a stoma, was investigated using scanning electron microscopy. In the host, Coffea arabica, a torpedoshaped substomatal vesicle initial develops bilaterally from the apex of the infection wedge, while in the nonhost, Phaseolus vulgaris, the infection wedge protrudes into the substomatal chamber. The substomatal vesicle in both host and nonhost, at 48 h postinoculation, is anchor shaped. Haustorial mother cells are formed on stubby primary infection hyphae that curve back onto subsidiary cells. No differences in appearance of these structures were noted between resistant and susceptible coffee selections. A much-branched mycelium ramifies through the intercellular spaces of the mesophyll cells 96 h postinoculation in the host. In bean, the SSV began to collapse 48 h postinoculation. Key words: coffee leaf rust, infection, penetration, Coffea, appressorium, substomatal vesicle.