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Methods for characterizing plant fibers
Author(s) -
Cruthers Natasha,
Carr Debra,
Niven Brian,
Girvan Elizabeth,
Laing Raechel
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
microscopy research and technique
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.536
H-Index - 118
eISSN - 1097-0029
pISSN - 1059-910X
DOI - 10.1002/jemt.20206
Subject(s) - tenax , cultivar , microscopy , scanning electron microscope , materials science , optical microscope , composite material , horticulture , chemistry , biology , optics , chromatography , physics , gas chromatography
The effectiveness of different microscopy techniques for measuring the dimensions of ultimate fibers from harakeke ( Phormium tenax , New Zealand flax) was investigated using a factorial experimental design. Constant variables were geographical location, location of specimens along the leaf, season (winter), individual plant, a fourth leaf from a north‐facing fan, age of plant, and cultivars (two). Experimental variables were microscopy techniques and measurement axis. Measurements of width and length of harakeke ultimate fibers depended on the microscopic preparation/technique used as well as the cultivar examined. The best methods were (i) transverse sections of leaf specimens 4 μm thick, embedded in Paraplast® and observed using light microscopy, and (ii) nonfixed ultimate fibers observed using scanning electron microscopy. Microsc. Res. Tech. 67:260–264, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.