INVESTIGADORES
GARCIA MASSINI juan Leandro
congresos y reuniones científicas
Título:
Endoparasitic Chytrids from the Permian of Antarctica.
Autor/es:
GARCÍA MASSINI, J.L., TAYLOR, T.N.
Lugar:
Bariloche, Patagonia, Argentina
Reunión:
Conferencia; VII International Organization of Paleobotany Conference; 2004
Resumen:
Abstract Several stages of the life cycle of an endoparasitic fungus in the Chytridiomycota occurring within silicified plant remains from the Permian of Antarctica are described. The thallus is holocarpic, monocentric, and inoperculate. The thallus consists of thick-walled resting sporangia, thin-walled sporangia, and zoospores in different states of development. Based on the range of developmental stages observed, a life cycle can be reconstructed. The hypothetical life cycle starts when the zoospores encyst on the host surface and give rise to the thin walled sporangia that produce motile spores. Some of these behave as isogamous gametes that fuse sexually and produce resting sporangia. Roots, petioles, and stems of unidentified plants are among the tissues infected. As a host response to the infection, hypertrophy and hyperplasia are typical. Comparison of the Permian chytridiomycetes to extant representatives of the chytridiomycetes show morphological as well as developmental similarities with the Synchytriaceae (Chytridiales), particularly Synchytrium. Although previous Paleozoic records of chytridiomycetes are known from the Devonian Rhynie Chert and from the Carboniferous of the Northern Hemisphere, this report constitutes the first on chytridiomycetes from the Permian from Antarctica, and underscores the influence this group of fungi may have had on the local flora.