Transmission and scanning electron microscope observations on the trapping of nematodes by Dactylaria brochopaga

Abstract

Constricting ring traps of Dactylaria brochopaga Drechs. were found to be effective trapping agents. Nematodes were held by inflation of the ring cells, inflation resulting from changes in the wall of the luminal face of such cells. The wall structure of the ring cells was found to be more complex than has been previously reported for similar fungi. Membrane-bound, osmiophilic, dense-staining, lysosome-like inclusions were found associated with the trapping surface and appear to play a role in both the trapping and the subsequent penetration process. The ultrastructure of (1) the trapping apparatus before and after its inflation and (2) the nematodes and hyphae during the infection process was studied and is reported herein.