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

ABSTRACT

Biggs, A. R. 1985. Detection of impervious tissue in tree bark with selective histochemistry and fluorescence microscopy. Stain Technol. 60:299-304.

Use of conventional histochemical tests in conjunction with fluorescence microscopy has validated the concept of impervious tissue in the bark of trees. Application of phloroglucinol + HC1 or toluidine blue O selectively quenched lignin autofluorescence and allowed visualization of intracellular suberin lamellae previously undetected. Fluorescence of intracellular lamellae was quenched with Sudan black B and enhanced with Sudan IV thus providing evidence for the suberized nature of a tissue heretofore regarded as nonsuberized.