Immunocytochemical localization of callose in root cortical cells parasitized by the ring nematodeCriconemella xenoplax

Summary

Polyclonal antibodies specific to (1→3)-β-glucose were used to localize callose around stylets ofCriconemella xenoplax in parasitized cortical cells in root explants of carnation, crimson clover, and tomato. The nematode's stylet was inserted 5–6 μm through the wall of the parasitized cell without piercing the plasma membrane, which became invaginated around the stylet tip. A layer of electron-transparent callose was localized by immunogold labelling between the invaginated plasma membrane and the inserted stylet, except at the stylet orifice. The callose was continuous with the inner surface of the wall of the parasitized cell around the site where the stylet penetrated. When the parasitized cell was located in the second layer of the cortex, the nematode's stylet first passed through a subepidermal cortical cell. The integrity of the plasma membrane of the transected cell was maintained and callose was deposited around the portion of the nematode's stylet that traversed the cell. We suggest that callose deposition around nematode stylets in parasitized cells is a common wound response elicited when plant-parasitic nematodes feed from cells.