Observation du système vasculaire en delta de l'hydathode d'un chou-fleur

Observation of the delta-like vascular system of the hydathode of a cauliflower. The tissues have been clarified in a chloral hydrate solution and are observed using a Nomarski interference contrast microscope. The spiral rings of the xylem vessels are visible. These examinations were carried out as part of research to obtain a full understanding of the mechanisms through which plants (cauliflower or Arabidopsis thaliana) are infected by the pathogenic bacterium Xanthomonas campestris. The use of cryo-preparation makes it possible to keep the biological object in its original state (frozen, hydrated), reducing the potential artefacts associated with the chemical preparation of samples. In this way, the detailed anatomy of structures has been described for various plant species, whether infected or not by Xanthomonas. Initial results have helped clarify the structure of the hydathodes located on the edge of the leaves, and demonstrated that the hydathode pores (which resemble stomata) are the points at which the Xanthomonas bacterium infects the leaves. Based on these conclusions, further research is being done into controlling infection at a molecular level.