Scanning electron microscopy of the interactions betweenerwinia herbicola pv.gypsophilae andgypsophila paniculata

Ultrastructural studies of interactions betweenErwinia herbicola pv.gypsophilae and gypsophila plants showed that the bacterial pathogen multiplied rapidly and colonized gypsophila cuttings within 2 days. Fourteen days after inoculation, the plant tissue turned tumorigenic and a gall formed. Scanning electron microscopy showedE. gypsophilae cells densely occupying the plant xylem elements. Bacteria were found in association with fibrils which might be used by bacterial cells for attachment to plant cells. Substantial numbers of fibrils were also clearly seen on calli cell surfaces.