Application of Glycol Methacrylate Embedding to Herbarium Specimens of Fruits

Abstract

Aldehyde fixation and glycol methacrylate embedding were applied to herbarium specimens of fruits of the Compositae. Sections 1–2 μm thick were cut with glass knives. Softening was unnecessary and the hydrophilic properties of the resin permitted staining with a number of dyes. Specimens were examined with bright field and polarized light microscopy. The technique gives good structural preservation and resolution even with 81–year-old herbarium material.