Infrared thermal analysis of plant freezing processes

Abstract

Infrared thermal analysis is an invaluable technique to study the plant freezing process. In the differential mode infrared thermal analysis allows to localize ice nucleation and ice propagation in whole plants or plant samples at the tissue level. Ice barriers can be visualized, and supercooling of cells, tissues, and organs can be monitored. Places where ice masses are accommodated in the apoplast can be identified. Here, we describe an experimental setting developed in the laboratory in Innsbruck, give detailed information on the practical procedure and preconditions, and give additionally an idea of the problems that can be encountered and how they by special precautions may be overcome.