Structural aspects of ectomycorrhiza ofPinus pinaster(Ait.) Sol. formed by an IAA‐overproducer mutant ofHebeloma cylindrosporumRomagnési

summary Mycorrhizas formed onPrinus pinasterby an IAA‐overproducer mutant strain (h1 FIR 4 h1 F1 331) ofHebeloma cylindrosporumare described. The wild strain (hl) was used as reference. The wild type mycorrhiza had a thin mantle and a uniseriate Hartig net, which reached the second layer of cortical cells, as generally described. Conversely, the mutant type mycorrhiza had special features; a large mantle and a highly developed Hartig net (up en seven layers of hyphae in width) which reached the endodermis. Even when the Hartig net was formed of several layers of hyphae, the cortical cells remained alive, indicating that the fungus may aid survival of the host cells. Intracellular hyphae surrounded by invaginated host plasmalemma and by interfacial material, were frequently seen in cortical cells, In this case, both fungal and host cells were alive. Even if the mutant strain is more invasive, the IAA overproduction dries not seem to modify its symbiotic status. It is possible that IAA plays a role in cell wall loosening, allowing the fungus to overcome barriers which normally prevent the invasion of living cortical cells.