Leaves of more cold hardy grapes have a higher density of small, sunken stomata

Leaf stomatal density, index and size are known to be affected by the growing conditions, presumably to provide a better function for plant development. The question was whether there is a difference in stomatal parameters between grape species with different cold hardiness: V. riparia and V. vinifera; and the V. vinifera cultivars 'Riesling', 'Chardonnay', 'Sauvignon Blanc' and 'Merlot'. Analysis by scanning electron microscopy allowed the observation of 3 types of stomata in developing and mature leaves of all examined grape leaves. Stomatal parameters were found to be significantly affected by species or cultivar and growing conditions but not rootstock. A higher stomatal density and index were determined for the more cold hardy V. riparia and V. vinifera 'Riesling', whereby the higher number of stomata in 'Riesling' was found to be due to a higher number of small, sunken stomata. These findings might indicate a strategy of grape plants to optimize growth under low temperatures by using fast-acting stomata whose gas and water exchange are less affected than for larger stomata

Characterization of the interaction between the dark septate fungus <i>Phialocephala fortinii </i>and <i>Asparagus officinalis</i> roots

Phialocephala fortinii Wang &amp; Wilcox is a member of root-inhabiting fungi known collectively as dark septate endophytes (DSE). Although very common and distributed worldwide, few studies have documented their interaction with roots on a structural basis. The objective of this study was to determine the early colonization events and formation of microsclerotia of P. fortinii in roots of Asparagus officinalis L., a species known to have DSE. A loose network of hyphae accumulated at the root surface, and coils formed around root hairs and external to epidermal cells overlying short cells of the dimorphic, suberized exodermis. Root penetration occurred via swollen, appressorium-like structures into epidermal cells where coiling of hyphae occurred along the periphery of the cells. Hyphae penetrated from the epidermis into short exodermal cells and from these into cortical cells. Hyphae colonized the cortex up to the endodermis and sometimes entered the vascular cylinder. Some root tips were colonized as well. Microsclerotia in epidermal and exodermal short cells accumulated glycogen, protein, and polyphosphate. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy on distinct bodies visible in microsclerotial hyphae revealed high levels of phosphorus.Key words: Mycelium radicis atrovirens, Phialocephala fortinii, microsclerotia, DSE. </jats:p