OBJECTIVE

To research the function of endophytes of mistletoe in parasitism process of mistletoe in Pterocarya stenoptera.

METHODS

Endophytes from eight different parts of the mistletoe were separated by explant culture, and further screened by different CMC plates culture and DNS method to get cellulase high productive strains. The distribution of the endophytic fungus parasitized in mistletoe were prepared and stained to demonstrate by histological section of the intumescentia part of the P. stenoptera.

RESULTS

The histological section indicated that aboundent of hyphasma were distributed around the haustorium of the mistletoe. Eighty three strains of endophytic fungus were separated, 38 of them were able to degrade cellulose, 19 strains showed high cellulase activity and 10 of which were separated from the parasitic position.

CONCLUSIONS

Endophytic fungus of mistletoe can secrete cellulase and assist the haustorium of mistletoe to breakthrough the cell walls as well as intercellular space tissues of the P. stenoptera, thus, the endophytic fungus plays an important role in the parasitism process of mistletoe in P. stenoptera.