The Penetration and Growth of Blue-Stain Fungi in the Sapwood of Lodgepole Pine by Mountain Pine Beetle

Document Type

Article

Journal/Book Title/Conference

Canadian Journal of Botony

Publication Date

1984

Issue

8

Volume

62

Publisher

NRC Research Press

First Page

1724

Last Page

1729

Abstract

The growth of blue-stain fungi was investigated in naturally blue-stained lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta var. latifolia Engelm.) sapwood. Events occurring at the leading edge of hyphal penetration were studied. Fungi are initially confined to the sapwood rays. Hyphae readily penetrate the primary cell walls of ray parenchyma cells and proliferate within. Hyphae also grow freely in the region of the middle lamella of the rays. Host cell walls are breeched mechanically by a penetration peg originating from an appressoriumlike structure. Eventually, hyphae enter tracheids by penetrating the primary cell walls of pinoid, half-bordered pit pairs. Within the tracheid, fungal hyphae grow in a longitudinal fashion, branching infrequently. Hyphae may pass from tracheid to tracheid via bordered pit pairs. Ensuing water stress and eventual tree death is discussed in light of histological evidence presented.

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