Functional anatomy of haustoria formed by Rhinanthus minor: linking evidence from histology and isotope tracing.
The root parasite Rhinanthus minor feeds on the xylem of a diverse range of species. Grasses and legumes are the best hosts, while on forbs R. minor typically shows poorer growth. It has been hypothesized that host quality is linked to the expression of defences against the parasite seen in forb roots, but never in grasses. The efficacy of these defence mechanisms in preventing resource loss has not, however, been measured directly. Here we combine histological characterization of haustoria formed on Cynosurus cristatus (a grass), Leucanthemum vulgare and Plantago lanceolata (forbs) with (15)N tracers supplied to the host to quantify the efficacy of these defence responses. Rhinanthus minor penetrated only the xylem of C. cristatus, abstracting an average of 17% of the (15)N tracer taken up, but only 2.5 and 0.2%, respectively, when attached to L. vulgare and P. lanceolata. For the first time, this study has established that the resistance mechanisms of the forbs are effective in preventing the parasite from directly accessing their xylem solutes.
Cameron
Duncan D
DD
School of Biological Science (Plant and Soil Science), University of Aberdeen, Cruickshank Building, St Machar Drive, Aberdeen AB24 3UU, UK.|Present address: Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Alfred Denny Building, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK.
Seel
Wendy E
WE
School of Biological Science (Plant and Soil Science), University of Aberdeen, Cruickshank Building, St Machar Drive, Aberdeen AB24 3UU, UK.
D018533:Biomass; D006790:Host-Parasite Interactions / Q000502:physiology; D019684:Magnoliopsida / Q000469:parasitology; D009566:Nitrates; D009587:Nitrogen Isotopes; D031670:Orobanchaceae / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology*; D018517:Plant Roots / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000469:parasitology / Q000502:physiology*; D017680:Potassium Compounds; D052584:Xylem / Q000502:physiology*
D009566:Nitrates; D009587:Nitrogen Isotopes; D017680:Potassium Compounds; C023844:potassium nitrate