STUDIES ON THE INFECTION PROCESS OF CERATOCYSTIS ULMI (BUISM.) C. MOREAU IN AMERICAN ELM TREES

Histological studies of controlled beetle and artificially infected American elm trees (Ulmus americana L.) show that the pathogen of the Dutch elm disease, Ceratocyslis ulmi (Buism.) C. Moreau, grows extensively in all tissues of the xylem. The pathogen produces numerous small spores and hyphae, which pass from cell to cell by means of pits and direct penetration of the walls. This explains the rapid spread of the fungus in the host. Disintegration of bordered pits and of cell walls occurs as infection develops. Acute symptoms of the disease are attributed primarily to complete plugging of the vessels of small branches by the fungus and disintegration products. Gradual or partial plugging of vessels of stems and larger branches and disintegration of cell walls per se are postulated as contributing to the chronic symptoms of the disease. Crossing of the fungus from one growth ring to the next in branches is described.Host reactions to the fungus and seasonal changes in nutrients are discussed in relation to resistance. In beetle-inoculated trees, it was found that wounds extending from the crotch down the sides of the branch were the most favorable for the establishment of infection.