STUDIES IN HETEROBASIDOMYCETES .67. THE COLACOSOMES - NEW STRUCTURES AT THE HOST-PARASITE INTERFACE OF A MYCOPARASITIC BASIDIOMYCETE

The ultrastructure of mycoparasitic interactions in heterobasidiomycetes is diverse. A previously unknown cell structure, involved in a specific parasitic interaction, is described and illustrated. Cells of the parasite Platygloea peniophorae (Auriculariales s.l., Basidiomycetes) which attach to host cells of Hyphoderma praetermissum (Aphyllophorales, Basidiomycetes) form distinct marginal vesicular bodies with electron-opaque cores and electron transparent sheaths. Finally, the vesicular content projects through the cell wall of the parasite and then interacts with the cell wall of the host. Ontogenetic stages are described and illustrated in detail.