Behaviour of Phytophthora cinnamomi Zoospores on Roots of Four Avocado Cultivars

Abstract Scanning electron microscopy was used to study the behaviour of Phytophthora cinnamomi zoospores on the roots of three tolerant avocado cultivars. Duke 7, G6 and Martin Grande, and a susceptible Edranol cultivar. Zoospores were attracted to the region of cell elongation and encysted on the roots of all cultivars studied. Adhesion of the zoospores appeared to be aided by root slime. Cysts usually produced one germ tube which penetrated the root directly, or formed an appressorium‐like swelling before penetration occurred. Extensive growth of germ tubes occurred where zoospores germinated some distance behind the region of elongation. Cysts germinating behind this region often formed branched germ tubes and more than one appressorium‐like swelling. There were no clear differences in the type of pre‐penetration structures, formed by zoospore cysts, on the roots of the different avocado cultivars.