Branch-branch connections in trees analogous to hyphal fusions in fungal colonies

Rao, K. Sankara and Maheshwari, Ramesh (2010) Branch-branch connections in trees analogous to hyphal fusions in fungal colonies. In: Current Science, 98 (2). pp. 240-242.

PDF 240.pdf - Published Version Restricted to Registered users only Download (173kB) | Request a copy

Abstract

the leopard tree Caesalpinia ferrea (Leguminosae) a native of eastern Brazil-some of the leader branches connect to and fuse with neighbouring branches of the same tree. The bridge initials project out as pegs or protuberances and apparently extend in a coordinated manner, connecting branches up to 4 ft apart. The fusion of two branches of the same tree implies intra-plant communication involving signaling factor(s). The bridges resemble fusions between hyphae in a fungal colony. Whereas hyphal fusions are common and the process is apparently completed in <1 h, branch fusions in C. ferrea tree are limited and a slow process, apparently requiring several months to years to complete. Branch fusions in C. ferrea are in accord with Claus Mattheck's analysis that tree branches actually seek contact rather than avoid contacts.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Publication:	Current Science
Publisher:	Indian Academy of Sciences.
Additional Information:	Copyright of this article belongs to Indian Academy of Sciences.
Keywords:	Branch fusions; Caesalpinia ferrea; fungal hyphae; tree branching; tree design; signalling
Department/Centre:	Division of Biological Sciences > Centre for Ecological Sciences
Date Deposited:	29 Mar 2010 10:07
Last Modified:	19 Sep 2010 05:57
URI:	http://eprints.iisc.ac.in/id/eprint/26417

Actions (login required)

View Item