A. R. Biggs, West Virginia University, University Experiment Farm. P. O. Box 609, Kearneysville, WV 25430

ABSTRACT

Biggs, A. R. 1984. Intracellular suberin: occurrence and detection in tree bark. Int. Assoc. Wood Anat. Bull. N. S. 5:243-248.

A protocol is outlined for histochemical detection of intracellular suberin linings on the inner surface of the cell walls in impervious tissues of wounded and infected bark, and in bark forming rhytidome. Thin intracellular suberin linings (circa 0.5 m) were detected in all 15 woody angiosperms examined. Intracellular suberisation was strongly associated with individual cells or cell layers (boundary zone) that displayed imperviousness with fluid diffusion tests. Tests include use of phloroglucinol + HC1 and Sudan black B to selectively quench autofluorescence of lignin and suberin, respectively. Blue-violet excitation is used to enhance the Sudan IV tests for suberin, cutin, and waxes.