Ultrastructural and cytochemical changes in Pelargonium leaves due to aphid (Acyrthosiphon pelargonii (Kalt.) infestation

Abstract

Infestation of aphid Acyrthosiphon pelargonii (Kalt.) caused increased deposition of phenolic compounds in the leaves of Pelargonium sp. Most deposits were located in the vacuole and in the area between the plasma membrane and cell wall, as well as some in the intercellular spaces. In cytoplasm damages were observed involving tonoplast and numerous vesicle deposits in the vicinity of the plasma membrane. Endoplasmic reticulum and myelin structures increased in number, as well as mitochondria whose cristae were longer and larger. Thus, we observed both the increase of organelle activity in such cells and the segregation of damaged areas in the form of membrane degradation.

Keywords

• Pelargonium sp.
• Acyrthosiphon pelargonii (Kalt.)
• infestation
• phenolic compounds
• mesophyll cells
• ultrastructure