Preparing and staining mycorrhizal structures in dry bean, sweet corn, and wheat using a block digester

Tarkalson, David D. and Pendleton, Rosemary L. and Jolley, Von D. and Robbins, Charles W. and Terry, Richard E. (1998) Preparing and staining mycorrhizal structures in dry bean, sweet corn, and wheat using a block digester. Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis. 29(15&16):2263-2268.

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Abstract

The use of safe staining techniques in the evaluation of mycorrhizal
colonization is critical to the continued understanding of this important
symbiosis. Several procedures being utilized currently involve regulated and/
or toxic chemicals. The integration of unregulated and nontoxic chemicals
into these procedures is important to alleviate potential dangers currently
used chemicals pose. We eliminated all regulated reagents by combining
portions of several previously published staining and root preservation
procedures. A block digester for plant tissue digestion was used as a heating
unit and proved to be easier to use, quicker and more reliable than either a
water bath or a circulating air oven. Optimum clearing time in KOH varied
from 8 to 10 min and 30 to 40 min for wheat, sweet corn, and dry bean roots,
respectively. We also successfully used both drying and freezing of roots for
storage prior to staining. These modified procedures were quick and easy
and provided reliable temperature control and excellent staining while
protecting individuals and the environment from toxic chemicals.

Item Type:	Article
NWISRL Publication Number:	0965
Subjects:	Irrigated crops > Bean / dry bean Irrigated crops > Corn / maize Irrigated crops > Small grain Mass Import - autoclassified (may be erroneous)
Depositing User:	Dan Stieneke
Date Deposited:	20 Nov 2010 21:54
Last Modified:	18 Nov 2016 16:25
Item ID:	696
URI:	https://eprints.nwisrl.ars.usda.gov/id/eprint/696