Mycoparasitism by Piptocephalis unispora (Mucorales): host range and reaction with Phascolomyces articulosus

Abstract

Using light and electron microscopy, mycoparasitism by Piptocephalis unispora was investigated. Parasitism by P. unispora is restricted to certain members of the Mucorales. Piptocephalis unispora is also shown to infect germinating spores and hyphae of the potential thamnidiaceous host, Phascolomyces articulosus. Appressoria, penetration pegs, and haustoria are formed during the infection process but further development of the mycoparasite ceases. Reaction papillae and material present at infection sites and around degenerate haustoria are associated with the mechanism of resistance. The process of infection is compared with previous studies of the infection of Cokeromyces recurvatus (Thamnidiaceae) by Piptocephalis unispora.