Colonization of cashew plants by Lasiodiplodia theobromae: Microscopical features

▶ Ultrastructural features of Lasiodiplodia theobromae colonization in cashew plants are investigated. ▶ SEM images demonstrated that the fungus can be found in some asymptomatic samples. ▶ Symptomatic sample images showed that the fungus can spread from vessels to the xylem parenchyma. ▶ Rays, vessels and parenchyma are the preferred pathway for L. theobromae colonization. ▶ Immunofluorescence employed was able to recognize the fungus and proved to be a sensitive technique to detect it.