The Formation of Appressorium-like Structures of Saprobic Fungi on Rubber

The Formation of Appressorium-like Structures of Saprobic Fungi on Rubber

Chanokned Senwanna1,2, Sinang Hongsanan1,2, Nakarin Suwannarach1,2,3*

1Office of Research Administration, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand

2Center of Excellence in Microbial Diversity and Sustainable Utilization, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand

3Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand

*Email: suwan_461@hotmail.com

An appressorium is a specialized infection structure used by fungi for penetrating host plant cells and obtaining nutrients. In this study, we review the production of appressoria in culture from saprobic fungi appearing on natural rubber substrates during the single spore isolation process. This structure is developed at the tip of fungal hyphae and is characterized by being hyaline or dark brown, globose to irregular in shape, and thick-walled. The presence of appressoria in these fungi suggests that they may have an endophytic mode, enabling them to colonize healthy plants without inducing disease symptoms. Likewise, this may provide evidence for the switching of life modes and host jumping.