Microscopical observations of the primary zoospores of Spongospora subterranea f.sp. subterranea

A solution culture test system with Spongospora subterranea f.sp. subterranea spore ball inoculum and tomato bait plants was used to create a pulse of primary zoospore production and subsequent host-root infection. Spore balls and zoospores were examined by light, fluorescence, and transmission and scanning electron microscopy. Most of the resting spores with a developing exit pore did not show any changes in cytoplasmic content typical of zoospore formation. A few empty resting spores and some with developing exit pores were also observed in the absence of host-root exudates. The average diameter of exit pores of empty resting spores was 1.5 μm and they were often encircled by a ring-like fusion of wall layers. Mature zoospores were never found inside resting spores. Primary and secondary zoospores are identical in morphology. The infection process is similar to that of other Plasmodiophoromycetes with internal 'Rohr'-like structures in encysted zoospores which were attached by an adhesorium to tomato root hairs. Post-infection papillae and uninucleate plasmodia were observed.