Physiological and structural diversity of ectomycorrhizal fungi can lead to differences in their behaviour during root infection and colonization. In incompatible interactions, the plant reacts against infection with structural and biochemical defenses, including production of antifungal compounds like phenolics. This study investigated the initial stages of ectomycorrhizal infection in interactions between P. tinctorius and E. urophylla to determine the plant reaction. E. urophylla seedlings were inoculated with a compatible (1604) or an incompatible (185) isolate of P. tinctorius. Extration of phenolic compounds was carried out at 0, 12, 24, 72, 96 and 120 hours after inoculation. At the same time, root samples were collected, processed and embedded in glycol methacrylate resin. Sections were studied under ligth microscopy. Ectomycorrhiza was formed on eucalyptus roots by 96 hours after inoculation with isolate 185 and by 24 hours in plants inoculated with isolate 1604. Structural reactions were not observed by light microscopy. On the other hand, a higher concentration of phenolic compounds in roots inoculated with the isolate 185 was observed 96 hours after inoculation. Although only plants inoculated with isolate 185 showed significant differences in phenolic concentration at the various infection stages, phenol accumulation could not be associated with delay in infection.
Pisolithus tinctorius; phenolic compounds; ectomycorrhiza
