You should use a sliding microtome to cut thin sections that have been prepared using histological methods. Then, I believe HE will stain the tissue to show rings. You might be also able to use Methylene blue or trichome. I simply don't remember for sure what stain I used WAY BACK in histological methods class!
Malcolm McCallum On Tue, Feb 22, 2011 at 10:46 AM, Kirsten Martin <[email protected]> wrote: > I am looking for a method to age Broom Crowberry, a low growing subshrub with > thin stems (2-5 mm). I have tried manually sectioning with a sharp blade and > counting growth rings under a microscope, but was not able to see individual > rings. > To do the same procedure on a similar plant, Bar and Loffler (Bär, A., A. > Bräuning, and J. Löffler. "Dendroecology of Dwarf Shrubs in the High Mountains > of Norway-a Methodological Approach." Dendrochronologia 24, no. 1 (2006): 17- > 27) used a sledge microtome and Astra blue and Safranin O dyes before looking > under the microscope. > I have been unable to find Astra Blue for sale anywhere. Does anyone have an > idea of what might be an appropriate substitute for woody tissue? > > Thanks, > Kirsten Martin > University of Central Florida > -- Malcolm L. McCallum Managing Editor, Herpetological Conservation and Biology "Peer pressure is designed to contain anyone with a sense of drive" - Allan Nation 1880's: "There's lots of good fish in the sea" W.S. Gilbert 1990's: Many fish stocks depleted due to overfishing, habitat loss, and pollution. 2000: Marine reserves, ecosystem restoration, and pollution reduction MAY help restore populations. 2022: Soylent Green is People! Confidentiality Notice: This e-mail message, including any attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply e-mail and destroy all copies of the original message.
