Methods for Comparative Wood Anatomy Studies

Abstract

The sliding microtome (sledge) has been the standard instrument for preparation of wood sections, and its use seems likely to continue indefinitely. The sliding microtome is useful because most woods have degrees of hardness suitable for this instrument. Excessively hard woods can be softened by the use of ethylene diamine (Kukachka 1977). The use of hydrofluoric acid for this purpose is disadvantageous because it requires more time than ethylene diamine, and is dangerously corrosive. Ethylene diamine should be used with care because of its strong alkalinity. However, ethylene diamine, used in various dilutions and with the aid of heat (as in a paraffin oven) or at room temperature can soften more effectively than hydrofluoric acid in shorter periods of time. As with hydrofluoric acid, treatment with ethylene diamine can result in swelling of certain cell walls, especially if treatment is excessive.