Infection of Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) seedlings with Pythium irregulare Buism. and Pythium ultimum Trow.: histological and biochemical responses

We have studied the reaction of Picea abies seedlings to infection with Pythium. The highly virulent species Pythium ultimum and the less virulent species Pythium irregulare germinated on the root and hypocotyl surface, formed appressoria and penetrated through the stomata as well as through the epidermis. No major differences in the growth of both fungal species were observed during the early events of colonization. The less virulent species formed about 25% more appressoria suggesting that the fungus experienced difficulties with penetration. Differences were observed in the response of the host plant to infection. Autofluorescence, possibly related to deposition of lignin or lignin-like materials increased more in cortical and endodermal tissue colonized with the highly virulent P. ultimum than with the less virulent P. irregulare. Chitinase activity was highest in the tissues most extensively colonized by the fungus. In addition, a systemic increase of chitinase activity was also detected. Interestingly, chitinase activity increased systemically in cotyledons which were never in contact with the pathogen, indicating the translocation of a systemic signal. Salicylic acid was also detected in spruce seedlings; its level increased in roots during infection with the less virulent P. irregulare.