Investigation on the Zaghouania oleae (EJ Butler) Cummins induced morpho-anatomical modifications in Olea dioica Roxb.

Abstract

Olea dioica Roxb, belonging to the family ‘Oleaceae’ is a tree species locally known as ‘Edana’. During the winter season, the plant is seen to be infected with the rust fungus Zaghouania oleae (E.J. Butler) Cummins, belonging to the family Pucciniaceae. The fungus infected tender twigs is being cooked and eaten by Chenchu tribal ladies in Andhra Pradesh to beget children. The Preliminary phytochemical screening of the ethanolic extracts of the infected leaves by the author substantiated the tribal claim. In the present investigation, it was focused on morpho-anatomical changes brought out by the infection of the fungus Zaghouania oleae (E.J. Butler) Cummins to the host Olea dioica Roxb., Fungus induced tissue deformation was observed and the size and shape of the cells were largely affected. The infection of the fungus caused breaks in the epidermis and penetrates the mesophyll layer. At maturity, it turns out to be a cup-shaped Basidium filled with basidiospores. The morpho-anatomical changes brought out by the infection are may be due to the production of secondary metabolites. Most of these compounds might have potential medicinal properties. These findings substantiate the previous phytochemical studies as well as the tribal claim.