Three-dimensional reconstructions of haustoria in two parasitic plant species in the Orobanchaceae

Abstract Parasitic plants infect other by forming haustoria, specialized multicellular organs consisting of several cell types, each which has unique morphological features and physiological roles associated with parasitism. Understanding the spatial organization types is, therefore, great importance in elucidating functions haustoria. Here, we report a three-dimensional (3-D) reconstruction haustoria from two Orobanchaceae species, obligate parasite Striga hermonthica infecting rice (Oryza sativa) facultative Phtheirospermum japonicum Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). In addition, field-emission scanning electron microscopy observation revealed presence various Our images reveal arrangements multiple inside their interaction host roots. The 3-D internal structures highlight differences between parasites, particularly at xylem connection site host. study provides cellular structural insights into S. P. lays foundation for understanding haustorium function.