← Elaine Ingham · Research and publications
Observing root mycorrhizae through autofluorescence
An early paper examines arbuscule observation without staining.
Study published:
Light as an observation tool
Mycorrhizal arbuscules in untreated roots autofluoresced under ultraviolet illumination using an epifluorescence microscope. [1]
Comparison with staining
On the same root segments, colonization estimates were comparable with clearing and staining. Vesicles, spores and hyphae did not show the same autofluorescence under these conditions. [1]
A connection with our training
We want our Regenerative Library to include the history of observation methods. In educational material, we plan to describe the question, equipment and sample preparation alongside each method. This is our own educational direction.
Presentation context
The summary draws on the published abstract. The method requires an epifluorescence microscope with appropriate illumination and filters.
Sources and references
- Ames, R. N., Ingham, E. R. & Reid, C. P. P. (1982). Canadian Journal of Microbiology, 28(3), 351–355. DOI: 10.1139/m82-052 Original publication and study record